BC Hydro Crews Push Forward with Restoration Efforts Following Extensive Wildfire Damage Near Mount Underwood
August 20, 2025
BC Hydro crews are making steady progress in restoring power to more than 500 customers in Bamfield, the Huu-ay-aht First Nation and Ditidaht First Nation, after the Mount Underwood wildfire caused extensive damage to electrical infrastructure. Power has been out in the region since August 11, and restoration efforts have been underway since crews were granted access to the affected area on August 16.
Since arriving on site, crews have placed 15 new power poles and strung 11 spans of power line. In addition to installing infrastructure, workers have cleared debris and removed hazardous vegetation to create safe working conditions and facilitate the rebuild. Much of the material required for restoration – including poles, wire, and hardware – has already been transported to the site, despite logistical challenges posed by the wildfire and road closures.
Following clearance from BC Wildfire Service on August 15, BC Hydro conducted a full patrol and damage assessment. The inspection confirmed that 56 power poles were destroyed, and approximately 70 spans of power line – covering nearly 20 kilometres – will need to be restrung. The rebuild spans six kilometres, including two kilometres of rugged terrain characterized by steep forested cliffs and unstable rock, which pose significant challenges to crews working in the area.
As of today, a growing team of restoration personnel is on-site, including line technicians, vegetation management crews and equipment operators. More than 30 additional power poles have now been installed and are staged for wire stringing and hardware installation. Meanwhile, detailed plans have been submitted to begin work in the section of the corridor that traverses steep forested cliffs and unstable rock – an area currently restricted due to safety concerns. BC Hydro will commence operations in that zone as soon as clearance is granted by BC Wildfire Service.
Given the scale of the damage and the complexity of the terrain, BC Hydro has estimated that power will be restored by August 30. However, crews are continuing to explore every opportunity to accelerate the timeline. Additional resources may be deployed as needed, and progress will be reassessed daily to ensure the fastest possible restoration without compromising safety.
Throughout the operation, the safety of BC Hydro crews, first responders and the public remains the highest priority. BC Hydro is committed to keeping affected communities informed and will continue to provide updates as work progresses.
