Crews race to contain West Kelowna wildfire before gusty winds arrive

100+ properties still under evacuation order As crews work to contain a massive wildfire fueled by high winds, dozens of people are unable to return to their homes.

WEST KELOWNA, B.C. - Cooler overnight temperatures helped firefighters and BC Wildfire Service crews make progress on the Bear Creek blaze burning about 10 kilometres north of West Kelowna, in the hills above Okanagan Lake.

Kamloops Fire Centre information officer Max Birkner says the half-square-kilometre fire that broke out Sunday night, is being tamed.

He says it is now 75 per cent contained and a crew of 46 is working to surround it as quickly as possible, because of concerns that forecast high temperatures and gusty winds could cause problems.

The Central Okanagan Regional District says the fire area is still active and evacuation orders for more than 100 properties and Bear Creek Provincial Park remain in effect.

A portion of Westside Road also remains closed and residents of 64 properties downgraded to an evacuation alert on Monday are being warned to be ready to leave on short notice

But campers will be allowed to briefly return to the park to pick up vehicles, trailers, tents and other gear abandoned in the rush to get out on Sunday night.