Crews battle wildfire near Canal Flats in B.C.'s East Kootenays while dealing with gusty winds

Fire crews battling a blaze near thevillage ofCanal Flats at the southern end of Columbia Lake in B.C.'s East Kootenaysare dealing withgusty winds fanning the flames on Saturday.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says structure protection systems are in use near the 55-square-kilometre Doctor Creek fire as a precautionary measure.

Environment Canada forecasts winds from 20 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 40, and becoming light later Saturday with clouds expected late Sunday followed by showers overnight.

An evacuation order issued by the Regional District of East Kootenayremains in place for10 properties in the Findlay Creek area.

Christie Mountain Fire

Meanwhile, a fire that is about six kilometres north of Okanagan Falls on the east side of Skaha Lake moved out of an area that was inaccessible for crews, past a retardant line and down into a ravine.

However, the service says the 21-square-kilometre Christie Mountain south of Penticton fire is being held and is not likely to spread beyond existing boundaries.