The BC Wildfire Service says a fire burning west of Osoyoos is the fire of greatest concern in B.C. right now.

Chief information officer Kevin Skrepnek tells NL News the Richter Creek blaze has nearly tripled in size since its last estimate of 80 hectares, and is now 250 hectares in size.

“Given that it only started yesterday, that is certainly quite a bit of growth. There is an evacuation alert in place out there, it’s my understanding it’s only for one property right now.”

The fire started Monday afternoon next to the Crowsnest Highway, about 20 kilometres west of Osoyoos, although traffic has not been impacted at any point.

“That is definitely kind of our fire of most concern right now. We’re getting an additional assessment this morning… It’s mainly burning uphill, very difficult terrain in that area. I’m sure anyone who’s driven the Crowsnest can attest to how hilly it is in that last leg before Osoyoos. Definitely a concern out there, and we’re moving additional resources out that way as we speak.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation but is suspected to be human caused.

The other “fire of note” burning in B.C. right now is the Lejac wildfire, near Fraser Lake, which Skrepnek says grew aggressively after it first started on Saturday. He says that fire is currently “being held,” and the size estimate has dropped slightly now to 236 hectares.

(Photo: BC Wildfire Service)