A wildfire burning northwest of Kamloops has quadrupled in size from one day earlier.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, the Sparks Lake wildfire is now at 750 hectares as of Tuesday afternoon, up from 180 hectares on Monday night.
The fire was discovered Monday and is currently classified as out of control.
Earlier Tuesday, it was listed at 350 hectares.
Environment Canada listed the temperature in Kamloops at 46 C (115 F) at 5 p.m., on Tuesday afternoon.
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Wednesday’s forecast is calling for a daily high of 43 C (109 F) plus a 40 per cent chance of showers and a risk of a thunderstorm late in the afternoon.
“Due to the hot and dry weather, increased fire behaviour is being seen on site,” said BC Wildfire.
“This is an evolving situation in which BC Wildfire Service continues to adjust and increase their resources to match the activity on site.”
The fire is suspected to be human-caused and is under investigation.
Smoke from the growing blaze can be seen in Kamloops and nearby communities.
Further, an evacuation order is in effect for nine properties in Electoral Area J (Copper Desert Country).
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is urging everyone in that area to be ready to leave their homes at a moment’s notice.
BC Wildfire says currently, there are 47 personnel on-site battling the blaze, and that they’re being supported by six helicopters and six pieces of heavy equipment.
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