Mission-area wildfire grows to 38 hectares, avoid area: BC Wildfire Service

High winds have made a wildfire north of Mission in B.C.’s Lower Mainland a “wildfire of note,” according to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

The Davis Lake Fire, approximately 18 kilometres north of Abbotsford is estimated to be 38 hectares in size, as of 5 p.m.

The location of the Davis Lake wildfire of note. (Courtesy: BC Wildfire Service)

On Thursday, it was estimated to be about 6 hectares in size.

BCWS Fire Information Officer Donna MacPherson tells CityNews thunderstorms brought winds into the area on Friday.

“Those particular fires are in that area where there has been lightning, and there has been thunder cell build-up, so the wind has been gusty and steady today,” she said.

As the wildfire is now classified as “of note,” it is “highly visible or poses a potential threat to public safety,” the wildfire service explained. The blaze is continuing to spread and is not “responding to suppression efforts.”

On social media, the wildfire service says the fire was first spotted on July 5 and is believed to be “human-caused.”

Twenty-four firefighters and three helicopters have been working against the fire on Friday.

More information about the FSR closer is available https://t.co/9u8ut0hidC.

The Fraser Valley Regional District has issued an Emergency Advisory for residents or recreators in the area which can be viewed here: https://t.co/HbzNRf1eYl

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 7, 2023

Due to the fire, the BCWS is asking for people to stay away from the area, including around Stave Lake. The Chilliwack Natural Resource District has also closed the Lost Creek Forest Service Road at 0.0 km, the service says.

The Fraser Valley Regional District has also issued an emergency advisory, asking residents and recreators to “avoid the area completely to allow wildfire crews to work.”

However, McPherson says those who are needing to access cabins along Stave Lake may still travel up the Lost Creek Forest Service Road.