LILLOOET, B.C. - One-hundred firefighters are trying to put a dent in a wildfire near Lillooet, B.C. that has been fanned by hot and dry weather conditions.
The Yalakom Valley ignited Wednesday and has grown thanks to temperatures in the 30s, low humidity and no rain.
Upwards of 85 residents in scattered farms and ranches throughout the are remain on evacuation alert while the 600-hectare fire burns about 30 kilometres northwest of Lillooet.
B.C. Forestry Ministry officials have determined a lightning strike started the fire.
Fire information officer Garry Horley says crews have now contained about 15 per cent of the blaze and are working to prevent it from spreading to the tops of mature pine trees.
Eight helicopters, 14 structure protection specialists and 10 pieces of heavy equipment are reinforcing the guard.
