The Bear Creek wildfire near Harrison Hot Springs grows to 224 hectares, sparking evacuation alerts and closures as crews battle the blaze.
Blaze Expands as Crews Battle Bear Creek Wildfire
The hills north of Harrison Hot Springs are glowing once again — but not in the way anyone hoped. What started as a smoldering surface fire has quickly escalated. As of August 4, the Bear Creek wildfire has surged to 224 hectares, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Let’s break down what’s happening, what’s closed, and what you need to know to stay safe.
Evacuation Alerts Widen Across Popular Lake Areas
With the fire still listed as out of control, evacuation alerts remain firmly in place. They cover a broad swath south of the blaze, including:
- Cooks Cove
- Macs Cove
- JB’s Cover
- Beach Bay
- Sturgeon Bay
- Blind Bay
- Lakeberg Bay
For now, these areas are under evacuation alert — not an order. But that could change quickly. Residents and campers are being told to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Firefighting Teams Ramp Up Containment Efforts
The good news? Crews are making a visible impact.
Two helicopters are currently bucketing water onto the fire’s north flank, helping to keep it from crossing Bear Creek. On the ground, 61 personnel are working hard to gain control, including:
- Two unit crews
- Fire officers
- A medic team
- Specialized danger tree fallers
Firefighters are focusing on the south flank, aiming to push containment lines outward.
Road Closures & Safety Warnings for Travelers
Planning a trip near Harrison Lake? You may want to double-check your route. Here’s what’s closed:
- Harrison East Forest Service Road: Shut between 9 km and 20 km
- Kookipi Forest Service Road: Closed due to ongoing wildfire activity
There are flaggers stationed at the 0-km mark on Harrison East FSR to stop non-resident vehicles. While Harrison Lake is still accessible from other directions, boaters and campers are urged to stay clear of firefighting crews and their equipment.
The roads aren’t just closed because of smoke. Hazards like falling rocks and danger trees are a very real threat.
Still the Largest Wildfire of the Year in the Area
Since the beginning of 2025, the Agassiz-Harrison area has seen seven wildfires. Of those, four were caused by humans, while the other three were sparked by lightning. The Bear Creek blaze is the largest and most aggressive by far.
Currently, only two of the four active wildfires in the region are under control. Another is being held. But Bear Creek? Still raging, still dangerous, and still very much a concern.
Air Quality Holding Steady – For Now
In some rare relief, the B.C. Air Quality Index is showing low-risk levels for the eastern Fraser Valley. But that could shift if winds change or smoke thickens — so it’s best to stay informed.
Final Word: Stay Alert, Stay Safe
The Bear Creek wildfire isn’t done yet — but neither are the crews battling it. With evacuation alerts in place and closures spreading, now’s the time to stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay safe.
We’ll keep updating you as the story evolves.
Leave a comment