In response to the ongoing Mount Underwood wildfire, located along the Bamfield Main Road above the China Creek area, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Government (HFN), in coordination with the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD), is issuing an important travel advisory.
Since the evening of Monday, August 11, 2025, the Bamfield Main Road to Port Alberni is closed to all traffic. The only remaining accessible route in and out of Bamfield and Anacla is the Youbou back road to Cowichan. While there is no current evacuation order for Anacla or Bamfield, the situation remains unpredictable, and road access could change rapidly.
To ensure the safety of residents and visitors, and to protect the integrity of limited emergency and community resources, Huu-ay-aht First Nations and ACRD are strongly requesting the following actions:
- All travel on the Youbou Route will be limited to essential use only.
- All visitors with upcoming plans to travel to Bamfield or Anacla are asked to reschedule their trips.
- Visitors currently in the community are asked to begin their journey home immediately while conditions remain safe.
Contact:
| Huu-ay-aht First Nations
communications@huuayaht.org |
ACRD eocinfo@acrd.bc.ca |
Route to Youbou from Bamfield
The Bamfield Main Road is closed due to a wildfire called the Mount Underwood that is located above China Creek Marina. There is no access to Port Alberni at this time and there is an alternate route through Youbou.(See map above)
Route Details
- Drive to Franklin Camp on Bamfield Main Road.
- Turn right on Carmanah Main.
- Turn left on Cowichan Main.
- Stay on North Shore Road and continue to Youbou
For official release: Huu-ay-aht First Nations and ACRD Urge Essential Travel Only on Youbou Route