Out-of-control wildfire near Harrison Lake now 90 hectares in size

An out-of-control burning on the east side of Harrison Lake continues to grow.

The Bear Creek wildfire is burning about 20 km north of Harrison Hot Springs. It was first spotted on Tuesday and is now mapped at 90 hectares in size.

Campers were evacuated from the area on Tuesday evening, and on Thursday, the Fraser Valley Regional District issued an evacuation alert for the North Cascade Bay area, south of the fire.

The alert covers the Cascade Peninsula Recreational Site.

1:54 Abnormally dry conditions in B.C. with more hot weather on the way

“We are asking people to stay out of the area where active wildfire operations are ongoing,” said fire information officer Julia Caranci.

“Specific to Harrison Lake, we ask the public to avoid and stay out of the area, north of the Cascade Peninsula and south of the Silver River.”

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Two forest service roads, the Harrison East and Kookipi FSRs, have been closed due to the fire.

Their closure means the Cogburn and Bear Creek recreation sites are inaccessible.

While the fire has disrupted some popular recreation spots ahead of the long weekend, the community of Harrison Hot Springs is not under threat.

“The village of Harrison Hot Springs and the beach front of the lake there are all open and safe. The businesses that are there are ready to welcome visitors for a long weekend,” said Erinn Kredba with Tourism Harriosn.

The BC Wildfire Service has assigned two 22-person unit crews, five helicopters and a skimmer aircraft group to the fire.

Officials believe the fire was caused by human activity.