More than a hundred firefighters are on the ground working to contain the Eagle Bluff wildfire.
In just four days the fire 10 kilometres southeast of Okanagan Falls has grown to 15 square kilometres in size. Efforts to limit the spread have been hampered by steep, rocky terrain.
"Some of the growth is a good thing because it's moving the fire into some terrain that's more workable and safe for ground crews working and heavy equipment" said Fire Information Officer Nicole Bonnet.
The BC Wildfire Service is sending structure protection teams to the communities closest to the fire. Over 200 hundred properties in the area remain on evacuation alert.
Weather permitting, the firefighters will execute a second planned ignition this afternoon, setting fire to brush around the perimeter of the blaze to try and stop the spread.
"We're working our way down the west flank of the fire on the side that's closest to communities right now" said Fire Information Officer Nicole Bonnet.
"If conditions do allow and that next ignition goes ahead this afternoon, there will be additional smoke in the air."