Wildfire near Port Alberni, B.C., forces emergency operations centre activation

A wildfire burning near Port Alberni, B.C., triggered an emergency response Wednesday morning, with helicopters preparing to battle the blaze as smoke from the fire became highly visible from the city.

The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District says its Emergency Operations Centre has now been activated to support the response.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says crews are already in the area and “helicopter bucketing will be starting soon.

”The wildfire is currently estimated at one hectare in size and is classified as “out of control,” meaning the fire is spreading or is anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line.

Officials are asking the public to stay away from the area while emergency crews work.

“All residents are asked to stay off the trails in the area to allow crews to respond effectively. No hiking or biking in this area, at this time,” the regional district said in an online statement.

According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the fire was discovered the morning of May 13 near Cold Creek, approximately one kilometre east of Cherry Creek and two kilometres east of Port Alberni.

The fire is described as “highly visible from Port Alberni.”

An update issued at 8:43 a.m. says nearby structures are not currently at risk and that “defending these values is the primary objective of assigned resources.

”The B.C. Wildfire Service says crews and officers remain on scene with support from helicopters as the response continues within the Coastal Fire Centre.

Residents looking for updates are being directed to BCWildfire.ca or the BC Wildfire app.