Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

UPDATE: Campers evacuated as crews fight aggressive Harrison Lake wildfire

PARKSVILLE, B.C. – A wildfire burning near Harrison Lake has grown, demanding more fire crews and forcing more campers to leave the area.

Fire information officer Donna MacPherson says a fire discovered Sunday afternoon, Aug. 2, burning in slash and brush about 20 kilometres north of Harrison Hot Springs has grown to nearly half a square kilometre and is producing heavy smoke.

Wind is fanning the aggressive fire, and blowing smoke and embers which make it difficult for fire crews to fight the flames Monday.

MacPherson says there are 43 personnel working on the fire with three helicopters and air tankers that have been dropping water and retardant on the blaze.

The fire is not threatening any homes or structures, but several nearby campsites have been evacuated by RCMP.

MacPherson says the fire was human-caused and entirely preventable.

— This story was updated at 1:12 p.m., Monday, Aug. 3, 2015 to add new information from B.C. Wildfire Management.

News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.