The Rock Creek wildfire has grown to an 800 hectare wildfire and is still 0 per cent contained. Both Highway 3 from Osoyoos to Midway and Highway 33 from Rock Creek to Beaverdell are closed to traffic in both directions at this time.
BC Wildfire Service crews are responding to an estimated 800 hectare wildfire in the Rock Creek area. Despite the continued efforts of airtankers and ground crews, this fire quickly grew to its current size due to a combination of wind, high temperatures, low humidity and a fire danger rating of “Extreme” for the
area.
Approximately 200 people were evacuated from the nearby Kettle River provincial campground. The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has issued an Evacuation Order for 240 homes in the area. For more information on this Evacuation Order, visit the RDKB website at:
www.rdkb.com
People affected by this Evacuation Order can contact the Trail Emergency Operations Centre at: 250 368-9127
Thirty-six BC Wildfire Service personnel worked alongside the Midway Fire Department throughout the afternoon. Forty additional BC Wildfire Service personnel are arriving at the fire this evening and a 20-person sustained action crew will remain on site overnight assisting with structure protection. A type 1 Incident Management Team will be arriving
at the fire tomorrow.
The cause of this fire is under investigation.
The latest on wildfire activity is available at bcwildfire.ca. Road closure information is atDriveBC.
Learn about preventing wildfires in B.C. and what to do if your community receives an Evacuation Alert or Order by visiting PreparedBC
Livestock is being received at the Rock Creek Fairgrounds.
Currently there are 32 firefighters, six helicopters, three heavy equipment pieces and two air tankers battling the blaze. The fire is 0 per cent contained at this time.
