Lightning strikes in many locations in B.C.'s Cariboo Regional District have started fires in many locations.

An evacuation area has been extended to encompass 2050 properties from the northern edge of 100 Mile house to Lac La Hache on the west side of Highway 97.

"Fires are being reported faster than they can be written down—all over the Cariboo," the regional district states on its Facebook page. "If you are told to evacuate from your property, please leave immediately. These fires are extremely volatile."

The B.C. Wildfire Service reported this afternoon that the Gustafsen North fire is 1,500 hectares in size. That's nearly four times the size of Stanley Park.

It's zero percent contained. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the amount of smoke is making it difficult to estimate the exact size. It's also expected to "grow substantially" and the cause is under investigation.

There are currently 120 firefighters, six helicopters, and 15 pieces of heavy equipment being deployed against the blaze.

Meanwhile, there's another large wildfire near Ashcroft and Cache Creek in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. It's estimated to be 700 hectares in size.

"Structures have been impacted by the fire," the B.C. Wildfire Service states on its website. "Due to poor visibility, it is not possible at this time to determine the number of structures that have been affected."