No ETA for reopening of Vancouver Island highway amid wildfire threat

A section of Highway 4 on Vancouver Island remains closed amid the threat of wildfire.

In an update Monday, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced the continued closure due to the Cameron Lake Bluffs fire, with no estimated time of reopening.

The province notes a detour will remain in place “for commercial vehicles and people who must travel.”

REMINDER – #BCHwy4 remains CLOSED in both directions due to the Cameron Bluffs Wildfire.

Detour information can found here:https://t.co/dpcHFnCnOw

Next update 12pm Mon June 12th. https://t.co/f7NFXFjBay#VanIsle #PortAlberni #Coombs #VancouverIsland #Tofino #Ucluelet

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) June 12, 2023

The major highway, which is the key transportation route to Port Alberni, Tofino, and Ucluelet, has been shut for nearly a week as the fire nearby continues to be classified as “out of control.”

“Assessments are underway to monitor the danger of falling trees and debris on the highway and to assess slope conditions,” the ministry said in its update Monday, adding an “update about the condition of the highway” is set for Tuesday.

Highway 4 was first closed on June 6. As of June 12, the fire covers more than 250 hectares above the highway roughly 10 kilometres east of Port Alberni, though damper weather and higher humidity have helped slow fire activity.

The province has said the closure is “due to continued debris impact on the highway.”

“Damage to the road and instability of the slope above the highway means this closure is likely to last beyond the fire itself,” a June 11 update from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said.

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A long, winding, rough detour is in place along backcountry roads between Lake Cowichan and Port Alberni.

The ministry started shepherding commercial vehicle convoys Sunday, guiding them with pilot vehicles four times daily along the unpaved route to help get supplies like fuel and groceries to cut-off communities. Private vehicles are allowed for essential travel only.

#BCHwy4 remains closed at Cameron Lake Bluff due to wildfire and WILL REMAIN CLOSED THROUGH THE WEEKEND. An update will be made on Monday at noon. Detour in place, but drivers are strongly encouraged to avoid travel unless essential. https://t.co/4Erms0t9UF pic.twitter.com/1ZPtlrw4vR

— BC Transportation (@TranBC) June 11, 2023

The mayor of Port Alberni, Sharie Minions, has reassured residents that essential goods will continue to flow into her community.

Meanwhile, the mayor of Tofino, Dan Law has been publicly optimistic the Highway 4 closure will last for days, not weeks.

Elsewhere, shifting weather patterns have helped crews fighting a wildfire that forced the evacuation of the community of Tumbler Ridge in the northeastern part of the province.

Some temporary entry permits to the Tumbler Ridge area were issued over the weekend for people who need to take care of livestock, maintain critical infrastructure, or other essential services.

#BCWildfire continues to respond to the Donnie Creek wildfire (G80280), located approx 158 km N of #FortStJohn and 136 km SE of #FortNelson. Due to gusty, northwesterly winds this afternoon, this wildfire is exhibiting aggressive fire behaviour and has grown to the south. pic.twitter.com/0CzmTk0CxM

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 12, 2023

New evacuation orders and alerts were issued late Sunday due to the Donnie Creek/Tommy Lakes wildfire in the Peace region as aggressive winds whipped up the flames along the southern flank of one of the biggest burns in B.C.’s recorded history, now covering more than 4,000 square kilometres.