A bit of relief for residents dealing with the Rock Creek wildfire as firefighters now have that fire 50 per cent contained.
The wildfire is currently 4,260 hectares in size but crews are gaining ground on the fire and working hard to achieve full containment. A dry cold front is expected to move over the area Thursday afternoon and into the evening, which could bring with it an increase in winds. As a result, the BC Wildfire Management Branch is working hard to support control lines as the wind may increase fire behaviour and growth.
Aircrafts will work hard on Thursday to help contain the Rock Creek wildfire (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)
Smokey conditions may prevail in the Rock Creek area. Much of the smoke is originating from fires in the United States and other parts of the Okanagan. This may hinder aircraft operations on Thursday. The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has downgraded all areas under Evacuation Order to Evacuation Alert, effective at 7:00 pm Wednesday night. Highway 33 remains closed, except for local residents with a pass that has been issued by the Regional District.
The area contains multiple potential hazards, including active wildfire, "danger trees" (trees whose root systems have been weakened by fire activity), heavy equipment use, and downed power lines.
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