Image: A view looking north of Chilliwack in the morning of Wednesday July 30, 2025. / Pattison Media

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

BC Wildfire

Authorities are asking the public to stay clear as the Bear Creek wildfire burns east of Harrison Lake

Jul 30, 2025 | 8:27 AM

CHILLIWACK — Smoke from the Bear Creek wildfire is filling the morning sky north of Chilliwack. The fire was first reported by the Coastal Fire Centre on Tuesday (Jul. 29).

It is 22 hectares in size and expected to grow on Wednesday with hot, dry conditions in the forecast. The BCWS assigned initial attack crews, helicopters, and air tankers to the fire Tuesday evening. By Wednesday morning, it increased the resources on the fire by assigning two Unit crews to the blaze.

While initial attack crews are generally only 3 or 4 people, Unit crews are 20-person teams specialized in sustained attack operations such as installing and operating water hoses and other burn operations, including removing fuel using chainsaws.

Although the smoke is slowly drifting into the Fraser Valley, air quality levels haven’t raised any concerns as of 8 a.m. Wednesday. However, with Environment Canada predicting a humidex level of 32 C, conditions could change quickly for those with underlying health concerns.

The blaze is located south of the Bear Creek Campground on the eastern edge of Harrison Lake. Campers are being asked to leave the area in the interest of public safety.

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The area is considered a recreational hotspot for residents. Given the situation, the BC Wildfire Service is asking the public to avoid the area to allow their personnel to get the blaze under control.

*** Editor’s Note: This story was updated Wednesday at 9 a.m. with information regarding additional resources being assigned to fight the wildfire.