A huge wildfire growing near Lillooet, B.C., has now consumed 6,500-hectares of brush as westerly winds continue to fan the flames.
Fire Information Officer Mary Ann Leach says crews got a slight reprieve from the winds Tuesday in order to let crews put up structural protections on homes near Marshall Lake, including setting up sprinklers around residences.
Fifteen helicopters and 230 firefighters are now fighting the blaze, which is 65 kilometres west of Lillooet. Crews on the northwest and southwest flanks of the fire zone continue to cool hot spots and mop up fires 30 to 40 metres inside of fire guards.
In Pictures: The Tyaughton Lake wildfire
It is believed the fire was started on May 29 by a careless camper.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for the communities of Marshall, Liza and Carol Lakes, as well as Mud Creek, Tyaughton Lake and Gun Creek Road. Sixty people have been ordered out of those areas.
A further evacuation alert remains in place for Gun Lake, Gold Bridge and Bralorne.
Several roadways have been closed down by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure because of fire risk in the immediate vicinities. Drive B.C. has the latest information on road closures.
