Extended highway closure expected due to wildfire near Port Alberni
There's no end in sight for the closure of Highway 4 on Vancouver Island – the only highway leading to the communities of Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet – due to a wildfire burning in the area.
On Wednesday morning, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation said the Cameron Bluffs wildfire continues to make driving unsafe on a roughly seven-kilometre stretch of Highway 4, between Koen Road and Cathedral Grove.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says the Cameron Bluffs fire was discovered around 6 a.m. Sunday when it measured less than half a hectare south of Cameron Lake. (B.C. Wildfire Service)
"Damage to the road and instability of the slope above the highway means this closure is likely to last beyond the fire itself," said the ministry.
The fire is approximately 140 hectares large and is considered out of control, according to Coastal Fire Centre fire information officer Kimberly Kelly.
Twenty-six firefighters are managing the blaze, alongside five helicopters and several air tankers.
"The fire is on steep terrain and crews are being challenged by rolling debris and [dangerous] trees," said Kelly.
On Tuesday morning, the fire neared the highway, approximately 20 kilometres east of Port Alberni, prompting the highway to close.
At different points Tuesday, the highway reopened to single-lane alternating traffic. By Tuesday evening, however, the highway was closed in both directions.
The highway remained closed Wednesday, largely because debris from the fire was rolling onto the roadway, according to the Coastal Fire Centre.
Kelly says that the province has brought in "slope stability experts" to assess the scene and ultimately make decisions regarding the opening of the highway.
She adds that the fire is four kilometres away from Cathedral Grove, which is known nation-wide for its large and old trees, and does not threaten the forest at this time.
"There are no evacuation alerts or orders in place at this time," said Kelly.
"We do encourage people to stay connected with their local government resource as that will be the place to find out the most up to date information on evacuation alerts or orders."
Detour in place around Hwy. 4
A detour is available by using industrial forest roads, according to the Ministry of Transportation. However, the province recommends people only use the detour for essential travel.
The province estimates the detour route, between Lake Cowichanand Port Alberni, will take drivers approximately four hours to complete, with slow moving traffic conditions and no room for passing other vehicles.
The industrial forestry roads may also include rough gravel patches and steep turns, and there is no cellphone coverage along the route, as well as no food, washrooms or fuel stations.
The province also warns that there will be limited access for emergency services to navigate the forestry roads, and that hot and dusty conditions will make the detour route "difficult to drive."
Drivers are encouraged to only take the route during daylight hours and bring extra food, water and other supplies. Over-height and over-weight vehicles are not permitted on the detour route.
A map of the detour route can be found below.
The detour route is shown. (Province of B.C.)"Drivers are reminded to obey all signage and traffic-control personnel as crews respond to the changing situation," the ministry said.
Vancouver Island smoke advisory
A smoky skies bulletin was also posted for the inland Vancouver Island region Wednesday.
The province warns that wildfire and smoke conditions could impact people's health, especially people with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections, older adults, pregnant women and infants.
The province recommends that people avoid strenuous activity if they feel unwell, and to drink plenty of fluids and stay cool.
The Cameron Bluffs wildfire was first reported early Sunday morning and is believed to be human-caused.
It measured just 20 hectares Monday before surging to 109 hectares by Tuesday afternoon.
On Tuesday afternoon, the BC Wildfire Service said air tankers and helicopters were helping ground attack crews by dropping water on the hardest to reach areas of the fire, which is located on steep hills.
The Cameron Bluffs wildfire is pictured. June 6, 2023, (BC Transportation/Twitter)
Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions said the ongoing closures along Highway 4 are concerning for the community.
"We've all seen situations like this escalate in other parts of the province over the last few years with some of the really significant and severe forest fires," she told CTV News on Tuesday.
"We have to be able to truck in goods, we have to keep our families safe, obviously, as we navigate through this," she said.
The BC Wildfire Service says an update on firefighting efforts will come Wednesday afternoon.
With files from CTV News Vancouver Island's Todd Coyne
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts global outcry
An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
U of T protesters don't plan to pack up, will hold rally at eviction deadline
Pro-Palestinian protesters who have been camped out at the University of Toronto for weeks say they have no plans to honour the terms of a trespass notice issued by the school and clear the demonstration site by 8 a.m. today.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.