A wildfire discovered last week near Parksville is now covering more than 500 hectares north of Cameron Lake.

The Wesley Creek fire was discovered around midnight on Thursday.

In an update yesterday, BC Wildfire Service said there was limited growth the previous night with ground crews and structure defense teams continuing their work.

Numerous fire departments from across Vancouver Island are assisting with structure defense to protect properties and infrastructure in the Little Qualicum River Village & Park area and the north side of Cameron Lake.

Also, crews are in place to defend properties in wildland-urban interface areas of the fire.

Crews are also asking boaters to stay away from the lake to allow plenty of room for aircraft to collect water.

164 firefighting personnel are working the blaze.