A growing forest fire near Lillooet forced the Marble Canyon and Pavilion Indian reserves to issue an evacuation alert for 60 homes on Sunday.
The fire, about 25 kilometres northeast of Lillooet, was estimated to be about 140 hectares in size on Sunday, according to the Wildfire Management Branch.
The person-caused blaze consumed 60 hectares on Saturday after reportedly starting that afternoon, and came as close as 1.6 kilometres to the nearest structure.
"Marble Canyon residents have been put on an evacuation alert, but this does not mean that they need to vacate their homes," said fire information officer Kayla Pepper. "It is jus a cautionary warning."
The adjacent portion of Highway 99 was also affected and reduced to single lane alternating traffic.
"Some of the difficulties we are facing with this fire is the warm temperatures out there, the very steep terrain and moderate winds," said Pepper.
There were three helicopters in the air - one was co-ordinating and two were bucketing water - and 41 firefighters were on the ground along with four pieces of heavy equipment.
The narrow canyon presented difficulties for fire crews because of the steep and challenging terrain, restricting air tankers from getting to the area.
"Our air tankers can't access the very steep parts of terrain because it's too dangerous," added Pepper.
Crews had the fire contained to 85 per cent on Sunday evening by creating fuel-free lines by removing combustible material.
The road and the lake on the perimeter of the fire act as natural guards, which helps to contain the fire, said Pepper.
"The fire activity is what
we call rank two, which
means there is definitely open flame, but it is a very slow spread rate.
"The first priority for us is to improve containment."
If the fire becomes high risk for residents then a tactical evacuation would be ordered, in which case firefighters and RCMP would pull residents out of the danger zone.
Crews also contained a 20-hectare wildfire over the weekend near Gold Bridge, about 50 kilometres northwest of Lillooet.
The fire sparked Friday evening; it has been 100 per cent contained.
