UPDATE: Wildfire near Penticton grows to 2,264 ha

A wildfire burning in the South Okanagan has drastically increased in size in the last few days, reaching 2,264 hectares this afternoon.

The Keremeos Creek Wildfire was last listed at 437 ha in size but the B.C. Wildfire Service was able to provide an update to the fire's size today. It is roughly 21 km southwest of Penticton.

Bryan Zandberg, information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service, said the fire has spread in the eastern and western directions. The fire is roughly 600 metres away from Highway 3A.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen issued an evacuation order for properties in Sheep Creek Road South, North of Olalla and along Highway 3A this afternoon, Aug. 1.

More than 400 people in the Apex Mountain village were already told to evacuate this morning. Structural protection crews are onsite at Apex Mountain Resort.

A total of 324 properties are under an evacuation order while 72 are on an evacuation alert, according to the regional district.

The district is also issuing a new evacuation alert this afternoon which will increase the number of properties under an alert to 438, said Erick Thompson, with the district's emergency support services.

Firefighters are currently facing an inversion today while battling the wildfire, meaning it will be difficult for aerial crews to fly with the smoke. Wildfire activity is expected to pick up this afternoon with increasing temperatures.

One residential structure, a cabin, has been destroyed by the fire and no injuries have been reported, Thompson said. The district previously reported it was a non-residential structure.

READ MORE: Apex Mountain village being evacuated due to wildfire

A reception centre for evacuees has been set up at Princess Margaret Secondary in Penticton on Green Avenue. Evacuees can also register online at ess.gov.bc.ca or by calling 1-800-585-9559.

The regional district provided an update on the fire's status this afternoon. The event can be viewed on the district's YouTube channel.

– This story was updated at 2:18 p.m. to provide information from the regional district.

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