Anacla, B.C. – As the Mount Underwood Wildfire conditions continue to improve and evacuation orders and alerts are downgraded, Huu-ay-aht First Nations is pleased to share that the Youbou Route remains as the only road open and is accessible for those travelling to the region. The Lady Rose continues to be an alternate option to visit Bamfield. Visitors and community members are welcome to use this route to access Bamfield and the surrounding Huu-ay-aht lands.
The wildfire has shown positive signs of containment, allowing BC Hydro to begin assessment and repair work in the area. While power remains out, crews are on-site and actively working to restore electricity. The estimated timeframe for full power restoration is approximately a week from now, pending safe working conditions.
Although power continues to be out, businesses in Bamfield, including Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses are welcoming visitors and have the resources to operate with power. In doing this, businesses are giving visitors the opportunity to visit while they can during the summer days and eliminate any further cancellations. We advise reaching out to individual businesses you plan on visiting to ensure they are offering full service.
“I want to express our deep gratitude to the emergency responders, BC Hydro crew, and road crews who have shown dedication to fighting the Mount Underwood Wildfire and restoring services to our community” said Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor John Jack, ” During these difficult days, we have seen our people come together in strength and unity. It is in moments like these that we are reminded of the power of our three sacred principles, ʔiisaak (greater respect), ʔuuʔałuk (taking care of), and Hišuk ma c̕awak (everything is one), which continue to guide and ground us.”.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, visitors are advised to plan accordingly given the ongoing power outage and to check for the latest updates on road and service conditions before visiting.
When travelling the Youbou route, drivers must come prepared for gravel road conditions. Here are some tips to keep in mind when heading out:
- Always expect the unexpected, and give yourself more time on your trip than expected
- Make sure you familiarize yourself with the route before leaving, as cell service is unreliable
- Check in with someone when you leave and when you arrive at your destination
- Ensure you have at least one spare tire, and that you know how to change it
- Make sure your gas tank is full, so you are prepared should something go wrong
- Bring extra provisions such as snacks, water, blankets, clothing, etc
When you are on the road, remember to:
- Stay alert and focus on the road
- Always drive with your lights on
- Drive slowly and to the road conditions
- Watch out for wildlife
- Yield to industrial traffic
- Obey any traffic controls along the route
- Only stop in a safe and visible location
If you are visiting the area, please keep in mind:
- Services in Bamfield are still severely restricted
- Bamfield and Anacla communities are without power and have limited water and waste management capacity. Please be considerate of this during your visit.
- Before you leave home, make sure you confirmed your accommodation to ensure they are ready to host you. Some businesses may not have a generator or may have limited resources. It is best to know what restrictions you may be facing before you come.
- Please respect the decisions of businesses who are choosing to remain closed
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For more information:
Amanda-Lee Cunningham
Communications Manager
Huu-ay-aht First Nations
250-720-7776
communications@huuayaht.org
For full details, visit: Youbou Route Remains Only Ground Route to Bamfield – Huu-ay-aht First Nations Welcomes Visitors
