The highway to Tofino has been shut down due to the threat of a nearby wildfire all week, but officials say there’s an update coming after the weekend.
According to the BC Ministry of Transportation, Highway 4 is set to remain closed all weekend, but by noon on Monday, officials will provide an update.
In photos, the Ministry showed examples of fallen trees on the highway, and debris that will need to be cleared before reopening.
Tree fall resulting from wildfire on #BCHwy4 at Cameron Lake.
The road will remain CLOSED through the weekend, with an update expected on Monday, June 12 at noon.
A detour is in place for ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY at this time. https://t.co/eu1pLj62pU pic.twitter.com/Mq1I9zk4lv— BC Transportation (@TranBC) June 10, 2023
Wildfire at Cameron Lake Bluffs along #BCHwy4 has created significant danger tree concerns and the highway remains closed. A detour is in place for essential travel only. Update on Monday at noon. Thanks for your patience and understanding. #BCWildfire https://t.co/EV078g7wr7 pic.twitter.com/ser1CTLDIJ
— BC Transportation (@TranBC) June 10, 2023
Highway 4, has been closed completely after it was compromised due to the nearby Cameron Bluffs fire.
The Cameron Bluffs fire by Highway 4 (Drive BC and BC Wildfire Service)
Currently, at a size of around 208 hectares, the suspected human-caused wildfire remains “out of control” according to the BC Wildfire Service but its growth has slowed down.
Since the highway closure, the BC Ministry of Transportation established a temporary gravel route detour to allow emergency travel and supplies to get through.
The Mayor of Tofino is confident that once the fire is adequately suppressed, the road will reopen soon after.
“Once emergency crews and the Ministery of Transportation are able to clear that road and establish that the steep slopes above are safe and the debris is not a danger to travellers, then I’m sure that road will open,” he said.
“If I was planning on a trip to Tofino this weekend, I would consider getting on a plane,” he said. “We have fuel, we have food, businesses are open, and if people can find an alternative way of coming to Tofino, I think that they’ll be very pleased,” said Law.