Urgent Update: Power Restored to 500+ Customers on Vancouver Island

UPDATE: Power has been restored to over 500 customers in Bamfield on Vancouver Island, following extensive damage caused by the Mount Underwood wildfire. BC Hydro confirmed the restoration efforts, which began on August 16, 2025, after crews faced extremely challenging conditions to repair fire-damaged infrastructure outside Port Alberni.

Dozens of technicians and vegetation management personnel have worked tirelessly to replace 63 new poles and 65 new power lines along a six-kilometer stretch of damaged area. Crews encountered steep, unstable terrain, with some sections requiring temporary fixes that will be made permanent once conditions improve.

BC Hydro’s Vancouver Island community relations manager, Ted Olynyk, expressed gratitude towards the local community for their patience during this critical time. “Our teams have faced incredibly tough conditions to restore power, and we appreciate the support from our customers,” Olynyk stated.

However, challenges remain in the area as Bamfield Road remains closed due to safety concerns. The province’s transportation ministry reported that falling rocks, dangerous trees, and a fire-damaged slope have made the road unsafe, with no current timeline for reopening. The 76-kilometer road is both publicly and privately owned, and the ministry is collaborating with Mosaic Forest Management to devise a reopening plan.

The latest data from the BC Wildfire Service indicates that the Mount Underwood wildfire is currently being held at a size of approximately 35 square kilometers. This blaze is just one of over 60 active wildfires burning across the province, raising concerns among residents about ongoing fire risks.

As the situation develops, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and stay informed about road conditions and fire updates. The community’s resilience continues to shine through this challenging period, with many expressing their relief that power has been restored, yet remaining cautious about the ongoing wildfire threat.

Stay tuned for more updates as BC Hydro and local officials continue their efforts to ensure safety and restore normalcy in the affected areas.