Pacific Marine Road, which connects Mesachie Lake to Port Renfrew, is currently closed due to a wildfire near Lizard Lake.
Located 1 km from Lizard Lake and 27 km south by southwest of Cowichan Lake, the fire was first reported last night (August 11). A crew of 50 firefighters, two officers, five helicopters and heavy machinery is currently working on the 50 hectare (123.5 acre) fire, which is believed to be human-caused. The fire is located on very volatile slash and on a steep cliff, though according to the Coastal Fire Centre it is currently only burning trees and poses no threat to people.
Some of the smoke currently blanketing Lake Cowichan and the surrounding area may also be residual smoke from six fires burning in Washington State.
Check DriveBC (www.DriveBC.ca) for up-to-date information on road closures.