Update:
The Rock Creek wildfire is now an estimated 2,500 hectares in size. More information can be found here in an updated version of this story.
Original Story:
The Rock Creek wildfire has exploded in size to more than 1,300 hectares as strong winds are fanning the flames.
According to Fire Information Officer Fanny Bernard, the fire has forced the evacuation of at least 294 people which includes both residents and campers in the area. The Kettle River Recreation Area has an evacuation order in effect and access to the park is closed. Evacuees have been dispatched to several locations for emergency services including a reception centre in Lumby at the Whiteville Community Centre at 2250 Shields Avenue.
Highway 33. 1/2 a hour from Rock Creek. video credit Joshua Slootweg
Posted by Chad Slootweg on Thursday, August 13, 2015
Another evacuation centre is located in Kelowna at the Salvation Army at 1480 Sutherland Road. Evacuees in Rock Creek have a reception centre at the Midway Community Hall. People looking for information about the whereabouts of loved ones can call the reception centres; Midway 250-449-2310, Kelowna 250-212-0854, and Lumby 250-549-0974.
There are now more than 75 firefighters fighting the fire along with air support from four helicopters and two air tankers. Three pieces of heavy equipment are also on the scene. Bernard will not confirm if any structures have been destroyed but residents believe their homes have been lost as a result of the wildfire. The fire is still zero per cent contained.
Highway 33 in closed near the wildfire north of Rock Creek and Highway 3 is also closed at Midway. A Facebook group has been formed to help evacuees in the area share information and some family members have posted photos to ask if anyone has heard from any loved ones that have not checked into reception centres.
Photo Credit: Contributed/Louis Krivsky
People are frantic in the area as they try to locate family and friends and find a way to get around the area with all the road closures. Another wildfire is burning near Osoyoos which started in Washington and moved north. That fire, located near Anarchist Mountain has also forced a road closure as Highway 3 is closed 14 kilometres east of Osoyoos.
A severe thunderstorm and heavy rain with strong winds are expected to pass over the area which can hamper the efforts of firefighters.
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