Highway 33 is expected to finally reopen Friday evening; more than a week after a wildfire forced its closure.
The highway heading to and from Rock Creek was shut as a precaution of the Rock Creek wildfire after it was discovered on Thursday, August 13th. The fast moving wildfire forced the evacuation of residents and campers in the area and closed both Highway 33 and Highway 3.
But finally, nine days later, DriveBC has reopened the highway with a maximum speed limit of 60km/hr. Motorists can expect limited visibility due to smoke and dust from the wildfire.
Location of the road closure (Photo Credit: DriveBC)
The wildfire is 50 per cent contained but remains at 4,534 hectares in size. The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has confirmed that 30 homes were lost in the fire, 15 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and entire campgrounds burned to the ground. An evacuation alert remains in effect for several homes in the area.
Photo Credit: Transportation BC
The reopening of the highway comes as welcome relief to those who live near Beaverdell and who have been unable to gain access to their properties. Motorists are cautioned to drive carefully through the area as power line repairs and danger tree removal is ongoing
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