Wildfire prompts evacuation alert in small community west of Summerland, B.C.

A wildfire discovered Friday near the community of Osprey Lake has prompted authorities to put dozens of properties on evacuation alert. (B.C. Wildfire Service)

A wildfire discovered Friday near the community of Osprey Lake has prompted authorities to put dozens of properties on evacuation alert.

The alert applies to properties along the Princeton-Summerland Road in the unincorporated communities of Osprey Lake, Link Lake and Bankier. The location is roughly halfway between Princeton and Summerland.

A map of the affected area is included in the alert from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.

In a statement Saturday, the Lower Similkameen Indian Band said the area is home to both year-round and seasonal residences, and the fire is burning “close” to some structures.

B.C. Wildfire Service estimated the blaze at 2.5 hectares in size Saturday morning, and said it’s suspected to be human-caused.

Two initial attack crews and one field staff member are responding to the blaze, along with four helicopters and two airtankers, the BCWS said.

The LSIB said the Erris and Hayes Creek volunteer fire departments assisted the BCWS in its response to the blaze Friday night.

The BCWS lists the Osprey Lake Volunteer Fire Department as assisting with the response.

According to the LSIB, the wildfire was expected to grow Saturday, amid forecasted winds and “extremely dry conditions in the area.”

“The RDOS, Upper Similkameen Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Penticton Indian Band, and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness remain in direct contact with each other in support of firefighting operations and public safety,” the LISB statement reads.