An out of control fire south of Port Alberni has grown to more than 34 square kilometres. The Mount Underwood wildfire was discovered on Monday and doubled in size in 24 hours. The BC Wildfire Service describes the blaze as aggressive and explosive and is saying the rapid growth is due to a severe drought.

The Mount Underwood wildfire burning south of Port Alberni on Vancouver Island grew overnight, but officials are expecting rain to help firefighting efforts starting Thursday evening. The B.C. Wildfire Service estimated the out-of-control blaze had ballooned to 34.