The BC Wildfire Service says campers near Harrison Lake have been asked to leave the area due to the out-of-control Bear Creek wildfire, 20 kilometres north of Harrison Hot Springs village.
The exact number of people impacted by the evacuation is not yet known.
This extends to the wider public, who are asked to stay out of the Harrison Lake area.
The BC Wildfire Service says that road closures have been implemented in advance of the long weekend to keep people out of the area for responder and public safety.
“Specific to Harrison Lake, we do ask the public to avoid the area north of the Cascade Peninsula and South of Silver River,” said Fire Information Officer, Julia Caranci in an interview with 1130 NewsRadio.
Currently, firefighting aircraft are picking up water from nearby lakes, which requires plenty of room to maneuver.
“We urge the public to use common sense and keep away from any areas where air tankers and helicopters are operating,” Caranci warned.
“The public in the area could compromise responder safety and our response efforts on that fire.”
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The road closure is in effect immediately until further notice, Caranci says.
The fire is out of control and currently 65 hectares in size.
It was discovered on Tuesday.
“We bucketed on the fire into the overnight period using Night Vision Imaging System technology,” Caranci explained.
“Today, two 22-person unit crews are assigned to this incident, being supported by helicopters and a skimmer group.”
Additional resources will be deployed on Thursday, she says.
