Evacuation alert remains near Lillooet, but wildfire over 60 per cent contained

LILLOOET, B.C. – Forestry crews backed by helicopters and airtankers have made good progress containing a small, but threatening wildfire burning west of Lillooet, B.C.

The Wildfire Management Branch says the Highline Road fire, seven kilometres southwest of Seton Portage is now sixty per cent contained.

Helicopters dropping water have also managed to lay lines of moisture around the entire perimeter of the 1.7 hectare blaze, which is the first step toward complete containment.

In the meantime, 12 properties along the rugged Highline route between Pemberton and Lillooet, remain on evacuation alert.

The alert was imposed Sunday, shortly after the lightning-caused flames were sparked, as officials worried strong winds might fan the fire toward several homes.

Forestry officials estimate lightning across B.C. on the weekend spawned more than 50 new blazes, while more than 1,100 wildfires have burned 86 square kilometres of backcountry since April.