Richter Mountain fire in south Okanagan grows to 4 square kilometres

One of British Columbia's biggest wildfires,burning near Cawston in the south Okanagan, has grown to four square kilometres.

Fire information officer Jody Luciuswith the B.C. Wildfire Service said most of the growth from Saturday's estimated 2.5 square kilometres was due to better mapping, but the fire did expand overnight and now covers an area about as big as Vancouver's Stanley Park.

The fire is burning out of control along Highway 3 south of Cawston in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, where authorities issued an evacuation alertFriday evening for 10properties.

Lucius said the fire has grown uphill, away from the highway and nearby properties.

About 10 homes in the area are still on evacuation alert, meaning occupants have to be ready to leave at a moment's notice.

The fire was discoveredWednesday and the fire service suspects it was sparked by a lightning strike.

Smoky skies warning

The province has issued asmoky skies bulletinfor the Similkameen region, including Princetonfor the next 24 to 48 hours, warning nearby residents with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, pregnant women and children that they may experience health effects from smoke exposure.

People living in the region are reminded to reduce activity levels if breathing becomes difficult, stay cool and drink fluids, and consider moving to another location with cleaner air if they are very sensitive to smoke.

Luciussaid some of the smoke had cleared by Sundayafternoon, but winds expected later in the day could fan the flames and create more of it.

There are about 100 personnel working on the fireand Lucius said the wildfire service is expecting additional crews on Monday.

There are also nine helicopters on site and several pieces of heavy equipment.

Luciuswarned there havebeen rocks and debris falling onto Highway 3 in the fire area. The wildfire service is asking people travelling through the area to driveslowly, but not stop.