Murtle Lake in Wells Gray Provincial Park is closed to the public until further notice because of a 1,270-hectare wildfire burning in the area.

BC Parks announced the closure Friday afternoon, saying the closure is in the interest of public safety.

“The fire has the potential to threaten the only access and egress to Murtle Lake within Wells Gray Provincial Park,” the statement said.

“In the interest of public safety, BC Parks has proactively closed this area and urges the public to abide by the Murtle Lake closure and any signage in the area.”

The only way to get to Murtle Lake – the largest canoe-only lake in North America – is by using a 24 km road off the Yellowhead Highway at Blue River.

The suspected lightning caused Murtle Lake wildfire fire was discovered on May 21. It grew to nearly 60 hectares in three days before continuing to grow over the past two weeks.

“BC Parks is working with the BC Wildfire Service and will update the webpage with new information as it becomes available,” the statement added. “This park will remain partially closed until further notice, but you can still visit unaffected areas of this park and also visit other provincial parks that remain unaffected by wildfires.”

The BC Wildfire Service is using a modified response, meaning the fire is being monitored but not actioned.

“During a modified response, a wildfire is managed using a combination of techniques with the goal to minimize costs and damage while maximizing ecological benefits from the fire,” the Wildfire Service said.

“This response method is used when there is no immediate threat to values.”

For the latest on this closure from BC Parks, go here.