A small forest fire burning along Rockwell Drive in Harrison Hot Springs has closed the road leading to several homes and campsites.
The fire broke out around 4 p.m. on Monday afternoon, between the Harrison Yacht Club and Killer's Cove Marina, on the east side of Harrison Lake. Officials said there is at least one home that is need of protection.
Fire crews on the ground pumped water from the lake to spread on the flames and water down the roadside cliff. Two helicopters took turns dousing the fire, each dumping lake water at the top of the fire. Wind was picking up at about 5 p.m., and trees could be heard popping as the fire moved along the forest floor.
About an hour after the fire started, a water bomber flew in and doused the flames with red retardant numerous times. Rockwell Drive is currently closed off as the fire is being contained. Homeowners and campers converged in parking lots, on the docks, and in the road, all cut off from their homes and campsites.
One woman worried whether her husband could secure the house, and if she could get her medication for the evening. Campers wondered whether they would be left to sleep in their vehicles in Harrison.
One Agassiz man noted that the same side of the mountain burned back in the late '50s or early '60s, and that his father fought that fire.
There is no known cause of the fire yet, and crews continue to battle the blaze.
There is no word yet where people who are displaced can receive help. A forest fire burning close to homes is often referred to as an interface fire, and has been the topic of discussions for emergency social services for many years.
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