UPDATED:

There are now 50 properties on evacuation alert near Barnes Lake, east of Ashcroft, because of the Tremont Creek wildfire.

The Thompson Nicola Regional District issued the alert late Tuesday afternoon.

The Tremont Creek fire started Monday and is now 80 hectares in size, according to the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service. “Conditions on site this afternoon were hot and dry with the fire growth being influenced by southwest winds,” the service says.

Properties affected by the alert are on Barnes Lake Road, Highway 97 C, Kirkland Ranch Road, Studhorse Road, Woods Creek Forest Service Road and Y D Ranch Road. Full details can be found here.

The fire is about 8.5 kilometres away from Ashcroft and is highly visible from the village, but it has not been directly impacted by the fire in any way.

A cause of that fire also is not yet clear.

(Photo: BC Wildfire Service)