The B.C. Wildfire Service says that the Heather Lake wildfire has "potential for aggressive and rapid growth if winds and terrain align".

The 3,800-kilometre blaze is burning on both sides of the border, reaching within five kilometres of Manning Park Resort.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation alert for Eastgate, which is a cabin community about 35 kilometres southwest of Princeton.

It's the second consecutive year that Eastgate has been threatened by a wildfire. In 2021, the Garrison Lake wildfire came within one to two kilometres of this unincorporated area with about 180 homes. In November 2021, the lower section of Eastgate suffered flooding due to a punishing atmospheric river that drenched parts of B.C.

There's also an evacuation order and alert in place for trails and facilities within E.C. Manning Provincial Park.

It's believed that the fire was caused by lightning and it's currently classified as "out of control".

There are 22 firefighters, six helicopters, and one piece of heavy equipment deployed to the area.