UPDATE: July 12, 11:20 a.m.
A wildfire burning beside Harrison Lake is now being "held" as of Friday morning.
BC Wildfire Service added an additional crew of firefighters on the fire and continue to remain at the scene.
The Harrison East wildfire is 1.7 hectares and is believed to be human-caused.
UPDATE: July 11, 2:30 p.m.
The Harrison East wildfire has grown to 1.7 hectares as of Thursday afternoon.
BC Wildfire Service still has the fire listed as out of control.
ORIGINAL: July, 11, 10:30 a.m.
Strong winds overnight has increased the size of wildfire burning east of Harrison Lake.
The Harrison East wildfire is estimated at one hectare and is located two kilometres north of Slollicum Creek.
Fire information officer Sam Bellion said the strong winds in the area contributed to the fire growth that was being held Wednesday.
“With that wind and with the increased fire behaviour, we did switch it back to out of control,” Bellion said. “It did grow, the size increased.”
The fire was discovered on July 10 after witnesses quickly reported it to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).
Two initial attack crews, two fire officers, one helicopter and a water tanker truck responded to the fire and were able to get it ‘held’ last night, but that changed overnight.
Bellion said more resources are being added today.
A handful of single resource officers, a "five pack crew," and a contracted fire crew, are heading to the fire.
“With the hot and dry conditions we want everyone being especially careful and vigilant,” she said.
Bellion credited nearby witnesses who called BCWS early Thursday morning to report an increase in smoke from the area.
The size of the Harrison East wildfire is likely to grow slightly as they assess the fire throughout the day.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
A campfire ban is coming into effect on Friday at noon for all of B.C.
