Growing Osoyoos-area wildfire puts more properties under evacuation alert

An aggressive wildfire burning west of Osoyoos near Highway 3 has charred more than 2.5-square kilometres of bush in barely 12 hours.

The immediate area is sparsely populated but the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation alert for 14 propertiesin nearby, unincorporatedCawston. The district iswarning residents to be ready to leave on short notice.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says the fire called the Richter Creek wildfire broke out Monday and is classed as "out of control."

The fire, believed to be human-caused,is now estimated to cover approximately four square kilometres.

The wildfire service reports 40 firefighters assisted by two helicopters are attacking the blaze.

Spokesman Kevin Skrepnek calls it "the fire of most concern" for the wildfire service, as flames burn uphill in steep and rugged terrain.

He says additional crews and resources are being dispatched.

The latest Environment Canada forecast for the region predicts winds of up to 30 km/h, along with lightning and possible showers.