Three-and-a-half square kilometre wildfire is burning out of control northwest of Kamloops

The BC Wildfire Service says a three-and-a-half-square kilometre wildfire is burning out of control northwest of Kamloops.

The blaze was spotted yesterday and has prompted an evacuation alert for nine nearby properties in the rural area.

Twenty-seven firefighters, two helicopters and eight air tankers are assigned to the fire.

A cause remains under investigation but the wildfire service says it is suspected to have been caused by humans.

BC Wildfire service on Twitter:

The #BCWildfire Service continues suppression efforts on Sparks Lake wildfire (K21001) with 20 personnel remaining on site overnight. The fire remains classified as "Out of Control" and is estimated to be 180 hectares.