The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) confirmed Sunday morning that a total of 29 homes have been destroyed by the Rock Creek fire.
In addition to the 29 lost homes, 11 more properties had structures other than homes that were damaged or lost. The regional district is currently contacting those who lost their homes, and residents in the affected area can call 250-368-0254 for more information.
Photo Credit: Contributed
Information Officer Alan Stanley says that the majority of the lost homes, 14, are on Highway 33 near Westbridge. Other destroyed homes are in areas such as Christian Valley Road, James Creek Road, Westbridge Road, and Des Mazes Road.
Stanley confirmed that there were animals killed in the blaze, but numbers and species are not yet available. On Friday, Minister of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources Steve Thomson said that some livestock was believed to have perished.
The areas under evacuation order are in red, while green shows the evacuation alert. See the RDKB website for more information. (Photo Credit: RDKB)
The evacuation orders have been downgraded to evacuation alerts for the Highway 3 corridor through Rock Creek. This area under evacuation alert includes 88 homes and businesses that people can return to. Evacuation orders are still in effect for the Highway 33 corridor from Rock Creek to the south intersection of Blythe-Rhone Road.
RCMP is still patrolling the evacuated areas for safety and security.
Officials say that “every effort is being made” to allow Kettle River Provincial Park evacuees to return to their vehicles and belongings. Currently, the regional district plans to escort people in small groups the park, and they hope to start that process sometime on Sunday after BC Wildfire Service has finished its danger tree assessment.
Photo Credit: Contributed
Highway 3 was finally reopened at 10:30 p.m. Saturday night after being closed for several days. This section east of Osoyoos to Midway has a 50 km/h speed limit in place, and drivers should watch for debris on the roadway.
There will be a public information meeting on Sunday, August 16th at 4 p.m. at the Midway Community Centre, 692 7th Avenue. This meeting is to update residents, the public, and media about the wildfire.
The Southeast Fire Centre reported Sunday morning that new mapping of the Rock Creek wildfire revealed that it was 3,750 hectares in size compared to the previous estimate of 2,000 hectares.
Photo Credit: Contributed
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