OSOYOOS, B.C. - An aggressive wildfire burning west of Osoyoos near Highway 3 has charred more than 2.5-square kilometres of bush in barely 12 hours.

The BC Wildfire Service says the fire broke out Monday and is classed as "out of control."

Spokesman Kevin Skrepnek calls it "the fire of most concern" for the wildfire service, as flames burn uphill in steep and rugged terrain.

He says additional crews and resources are being dispatched.

The latest Environment Canada forecast for the region predicts winds of up to 30 km/h, along with lightning and possible showers.

The immediate area is sparsely populated but the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation alert to one property 12 kilometres west of Osoyoos and is warning residents to be ready to leave on short notice.