Photo: BCWS

The Thomas Creek wildfire as of Tuesday

UPDATE 6:10 p.m.

The BC Wildfire Service has published a new perimeter map for the Thomas Creek wildfire outside of Okanagan Falls.

The mapping shows the fire has now grown to 7,920 hectares, towards the wilderness and away from homes but in the direction of recreation sites in the Allendale Lake area that are already under evacuation order.

"Crews and equipment will continue to work to the north and east of the fire to create and reinforce guard lines using existing roads, old fire guards and other natural features. This is being done in an effort to get ahead of the fire in the north and northeast sections," BCWS said Tuesday afternoon.

ORIGINAL 10:20 a.m.

The Thomas Creek wildfire remains out of control as of Tuesday morning, according to the latest update from BC Wildfire Service.

It is estimated at 7,279 hectares and has had 704 properties on evacuation alert for more than two weeks, and prompted the evacuation of the Allendale Lake recreation area Monday night.

"Fire behaviour was elevated again yesterday in the north and northeast sections of the fire. This caused the fire to continue to grow towards the height of land between the Okanagan and the west part of the Kettle River Drainage. While heavy smoke was visible, growth yesterday was not as significant as the day before," reads an update from BCWS.

Crews are now making efforts to get a head of the fire in the north and northeast sections, reinforcing lines using existing roads, old fire guards and other natural features.

The west flank has quieted down, and crews have demobilized some equipment from that area.

Hot, dry and windy conditions are in the forecast, so crews are prepared for increased fire activity.

The 201 road has been secured up to the 13 kilometer mark ensuring safe access for crews and equipment.

"Crews will gradually widen the safe areas along the road over the coming days, but may be hampered by the expected increase in fire activity. Access along the northeast portion of the 201 road was challenged again yesterday due to heightened fire activity," reads the update.

The Canadian Armed Forces are arriving as early as Wednesday morning to assist BC Wildfire with the fight.

Photo: BC Wildfire Service