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Lizard Lake fire on Vancouver Island prompts highway closure

The rapidly growing Lake Lizard fire is has already grown to approximately 150 hectares by Thursday morning . B.C. Wildfire Management Branch

A rapidly growing fire burning east of Port Renfrew near Lizard Lake on Vancouver Island has led to the closure of the Pacific Circle Highway.

The Lizard Lake fire has already grown to about 150 hectares as firefighters struggle to contain the blaze.

Discovered just before midnight on Wednesday, the fire is suspected to be human caused.

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A team of 39 firefighters and four officers have been working to manage the fire, but it remains very active and is expected to grow due to the dry weather conditions.

While no evacuation orders have been issued, but BC Wildfire Management Branch is warning people about the heavy smoke in the area.

“We are expecting an area restriction to go in place depending on the fire behavior,” said Provincial Fire Officer George Maratos.

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Checkpoints have been placed two kilometres south of Cowichan Lake and near Lizard Lake. Highway 14 to Port Renfrew remains unaffected by the fire.

All campfire and burning bans are still in place across the region.

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