A new out-of-control wildfire forced the closure of a key highway just outside of Kelowna, B.C., on Wednesday.
The fire is located just north of Peachland near Highway 97 at Drought Hill, and is currently estimated at five hectares in size.
The Central Okanagan Regional District has activated its emergency operations centre, and says municipal and BC Wildfire Service firefighters are responding.
The Kelowna RCMP is warning people to stay out of the area on the ground and in Okanagan Lake.
Boaters are also being told to stay well away, as firefighting aircraft will need to dip in to pick up water.
Officials believe the fire was sparked by a truck carrying a piece of equipment.
The Transportation Ministry says Highway 97 is closed in both directions between Peachland and the Highway 97-C junction.
Highway 97-C is also closed between the Highway 5A junction and the Highway 97 junction.