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Coastal Forests Brace for Intensifying Wildfires on Vancouver Island
24 Aug
Summary
- Mount Underwood fire, one of the largest in 100 years, a "harbinger" of future
- Warmer, drier conditions and longer droughts increasing wildfire risk on the island
- Need for proactive forest management to make communities more resilient
According to a recent report, the Mount Underwood fire, which burned near Port Alberni, B.C. in August 2025, is a "harbinger" of the intensifying wildfire threat facing Vancouver Island in the years ahead. The fire, now classified as "being held" by the B.C. Wildfire Service, is one of the largest on record for the island, with no homes lost but significant damage to infrastructure.
Lori Daniels, a UBC forestry professor who specializes in wildfires, explains that the warming and drying of the coastal region is leading to more frequent and severe blazes. The island's forests, once relatively fire-resistant, are becoming increasingly susceptible as the climate changes. Daniels notes that the east side of the island, historically maintained by Indigenous cultural burning, has seen a dramatic transformation, with more flammable vegetation taking hold.
To address this growing threat, Daniels emphasizes the need for proactive forest management around communities. This includes thinning dense second-growth forests and managing fuel loads to create more resilient ecosystems. With the warmest and driest conditions expected to persist, experts warn that decisive action is required to protect Vancouver Island's residents and natural landscapes from the escalating wildfire risk.
