Public Asked to Stay Away From Rock Creek Fire

Fire officials are asking the public to keep their distance from the Rock Creek wildfire evacuation area.

The wildfire is an estimated 2,500 hectares, and potential thunderstorm and strong winds Friday night could have increased fire behaviour and growth. Crews from the BC Wildfire Service and structural protection firefighters were working hard to protect both life and property in the area.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Fire Information Officer Jordan Turner says that the wildfire is “uncontained and extremely dangerous.” Anyone entering the evacuation area would put both themselves and firefighters at risk. The area has multiple hazards such as active wildfire, “danger trees” whose root systems have been weakened from fire activity, heavy equipment use, and downed power lines.

“Entering the evacuation area can delay firefighting activities, contribute to the growth of the fire and possibly put more values and people at risk,” says BC Wildfire Service. “Safe fire suppression efforts depend on the support and understanding of the public.”

Photo Credit: Contributed/Louis Krivsky

Sections of Highway 3 and Highway 33 are still closed because of the fire, and more information can be found on DriveBC. A second section of Highway 3 is also closed because of fast-moving wildfires near Oliver.

The Rock Creek wildfire’s cause is still under investigation, but it’s suspected to be human-caused. At least one home has been destroyed by the blaze.

Photo Credit: Contributed