Rain is expected in the region late Thursday, but the wildfire service says it would have to be ‘significant’ to help quell the fire

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 B.C. Wildfire Service describes the blaze as aggressive and explosive and says 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.