Bear Creek wildfire growing quickly east of Harrison Lake

HARRISON LAKE — In less than 24 hours, the Bear Creek wildfire has grown to 65 hectares and is burning out of control east of Harrison Lake.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the fire is now considered the lone Wildfire of Note in B.C. In concert with various local agencies, BCWS is asking the public to avoid the area.

Image: The Bear Creek wildfire has more than doubled in size since it was discovered near Harrison Lake less than 24 hours earlier. / BCWS supplied

The fire was discovered early Tuesday (Jul. 29) evening south of the Bear Creek campground on the eastern edge of Harrison Lake. At that point, it measured 25 hectares in size. BCWS employed Initial Attack crews, helicopters and air tankers to battle the blaze. Bucketing continued overnight using night-vision technology.

Image: The Bear Creek wildfire is burning east of Harrison Lake. / BCWS map

There are now two Unit Crews of approximately 20 personnel each fighting the fire along with helicopter and air tanker support.

The BCWS is advising the public that traffic control personnel are working along the East Harrison Forest Service Road to restrict access to the area around the fire. It is also asking boaters to stay off nearby bodies of water including Harrison Lake to allow aircraft to safely access the water safely.

In a social media post from the Harrison Hot Springs Fire Department, boaters are asked to avoid Cascade Bay and the northern areas of Harrison Lake to support the wildfire suppression efforts.

The BCWS also expects to close some roads in the area before the long weekend to prevent recreationalists from accidentally interfering with wildfire fighting efforts. The Bear Creek campground has already been closed. Campers were asked to leave Tuesday night.