Wildfire evacuation alert affects 80 properties north of West Kelowna, B.C.

WEST KELOWNA, B.C. -- Crews are keeping a close eye on a wildfire near West Kelowna, B.C., after the blaze prompted an evacuation alert for 80 properties near Bear Creek Provincial Park.

The fire was reported late Sunday afternoon and had grown to nearly three hectares within a few hours.

Air tankers and helicopters dropped fire retardant around the perimeter before dusk and 24 firefighters stayed at the scene through the night to monitor the flames.

Several roads in the area are closed.

Boaters have also been asked to keep clear of the area off the shores of Bear Creek park, so air tankers and helicopters can safely pick up water from Okanagan Lake.

The Central Okanagan Regional District says forestry service personnel will reassess the situation this morning to determine the next course of action.

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  Smoke is visible from a fire in Boulder Creek near Lillooet, B.C., on July 2, 2015. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / HO-BC Wildfire Service)