An evacuation alert has been issued to 51 properties in the Island Pond area in B.C.'s East Kootenay region due to a wildfire burning nearby.

The wildfire broke out  12 kilometres south of Canal Flats on Sunday after a tree fell onto a power line. As of late Monday night, it was estimated to be 150 hectares in size and was zero per cent contained. 

A representative from the Regional District of East Kootenay said people in the evacuation area are asked to put together important papers, medications and other valuables and be prepared to leave at a moment's notice if the alert is upgraded to an evacuation order.

There are several other wildfires of note in the Kootenay region including a fire in the Monte Lake area which has shut down parts of Highway 97.

Another fire in Verdant Creek in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park has closed the park to visitors until further notice.