Prince George, B.C. – While not yet confirmed,  it is suspected the  Rock Creek fire,  in the  southeast  region of  B.C. was human caused.

The fire  started yesterday, and  with tinder dry conditions  in the area  about 50 km east of Osoyoos,  rapidly grew to  2,500 hectares.  The fire has resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of people from their homes and from campgrounds .

Highway 33 between Rock Creek and Beaverdell  is closed,  highway 3 is closed between Osoyoos and Midway, and 14 kms east of Osoyoos.

Minister of Forests, Steve Thomson says his thoughts are with those who  have been forced from their homes “Our thoughts today are obviously  with all of those who have been impacted. I know this is very, very  stressful for everybody impacted  given the  experience  I had in 2003  with the fires in Kelowna, I know exactly how  those people are feeling today and certainly our thoughts are  with all of them,  both residents and campers who have been impacted.”

Thomson offered thanks to those who assisted  residents and campers from the area “I am relieved to report there has been no loss of life,  however, I am aware  there have been some structures lost and some wildstock may have perished.”  The number and nature of the structures lost is not clear because of the smoky conditions says Thomson. “That will be confirmed by the regional District of Kootenay-Boundary once they undertake the  full assessment”.

Fire fighting  efforts in the region  are focused on protecting structures.

There is no full  report yet on any losses to  RV  and camping equipment in the Kettle Creek Campground.

There are now 168 fires burning in  the Province,  with 27 new fires yesterday and another 24 as of 1 this afternoon today.

The estimated cost of  fire suppression yesterday alone was $2.7 million dollars, and the  cost since April 1st is $198 million dollars.

B.C. Wildfire Branch  Chief Communication Officer Kevin Skrepnek  says there is a dramatic  shift in weather expected over the next few  days  with cooler temperatures and the possibility of severe thunderstorms but  while  the rainfall could be heavy,  it is expected to be scattered.

While the  fire danger rating remains  low throughout the  Prince George and Northwest Fire Centres,  those travelling to southern regions during this  summer vacation time may  face campfire  restrictions.

Regardless of fire danger ratings,  the public is once again reminded to be extremely cautious in the backcountry.