Tough terrain slows B.C. firefighters

Steep, rocky terrain is making life difficult for crews battling a stubborn forest fire near Lillooet, B.C.

The fire, which has burned an estimated 600 hectares in the Yalakom Valley since Wednesday, was ignited by a lightning strike, B.C. Forests Service spokeswoman Kayla Pepper said Sunday.

Pepper said more equipment has been moved into the fire zone.

"We want to make sure that we have all of our resources and all of our bases covered in case it gets away from us," Pepper said.

"So far it's 15 per cent contained," she said, adding about 100 firefighters, eight helicopters and about 10 pieces of heavy equipment have been deployed.

An evacuation alert remains in effect for residents in the area.