PARKSVILLE, B.C. — An 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 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.
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.
