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Although the cause is still under investigation, it is believed that the Rock Creek fire was human-caused.
According to Chief Fire Information Officer Kevin Skrepnek, BC Wildfire Service has ruled out lightning as the cause of the Rock Creek blaze; however, the exact cause “from a human perspective” has yet to be determined.
Although BC Wildfire Service officers are not sure exactly how the fire was sparked, they do believe that it did not originate in the provincial campground.
Photo Credit: contributed.
The fire has grown to a staggering 2,500 hectares and at least one home has been destroyed. Several other homes are threatened by the blaze although, due to its aggressive nature and smoky conditions, the status of structure damage is unknown at this time.
Fortunately, no lives have been lost, but Minister of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resources Steve Thomson did say that some livestock is believed to have perished.
The provincial government is currently working with the BC Cattlemen’s Association and Ranchers regarding to the loss of livestock.
Moving forward, Skrepnek said the main objective is structure protection.
Photo Credit: contributed.
According to Minister Thomson, it is unsure when the highways running through and around the fire zone will reopen. At this time, the residents and evacuees stuck in Beaverdell are relying on community support.
“Local communities are opening their doors and supporting those that have been evacuated or are stuck and not able to drive through. Obviously public safety is our highest priority and there will be an ongoing assessment as to when the roads may be able to open,” added Thomson.
The Mars Bomber is currently sitting stagnant.
“The pilot had a significant health issue, which made him unavailable to fly the Mars.”
Operators are working to get a certified pilot, but it will likely not be available until early next week.
As of Friday, August 14th, 168 active wildfires are burning across the province at this time. A total of 27 new fires were sparked on Thursday and 24 on Friday. Although lightning has been a large contributing factor to the number of wildfires, there are still numerous fires that have been started at the hands of a human.
Photo Credit: contributed/Louis Krivsky.
Rain over the weekend is expected to help keep wildfires burning in southern B.C. at bay. However, there is also a 40 per cent risk of lightning for the Kamloops and South East Fire Centre regions.
BC Wildfire personnel are fully engaged at this time, but they are also battling a lot of unsettled conditions.
Some of the evacuees are currently in Kelowna, while others are heading to Midway and Lumby.
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