(UPDATE) Wildfire reported near Bearhole Lake Provincial Park

Updated May 17th, 6:30 p.m.: This article has been updated to reflect the most recent report by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

Updated May 15th, 3:30 p.m.: This article has been updated to reflect the most recent report by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A wildfire has been reported adjacent to Highway 52 approximately 45 kilometres east of Tumbler Ridge.

On May 14th, BCWS reported a wildfire near Bearhole Lake Provincial Park and Highway 52 North, which grew to 50 hectares in the morning of May 15th. As of 2 p.m. on May 15th, the blaze had grown to 100 hectares.

On May 17th, BCWS updated the fire’s classification as “being held,” meaning the blaze is projected to remain within the established perimeter, control line or boundary.

Firefighting personnel, heavy equipment and aviation resources have been assigned to suppress the wildfire, which BCWS suspects was caused by humans.

DriveBC also announced a closure of Highway 52 between Kelly Lake Road and Stone Creek Road for 17 kilometres due to the wildfire. The next scheduled update for the closure is 11 a.m. on May 15th.