Prince George, B.C. – The investigation into the 3,750 hectare Rock Creek fire in southern B.C. continues.

The devastating blaze has destroyed 30 homes and 15 out-buildings in the region.

Chief information officer Kevin Skrepnek with the BC Wildfire Service was asked during a teleconference today whether or not there was any basis for the rumour of a video that shows the start of the fire.

“We can confirm there’s no highway cameras in the immediate vicinity of where the Rock Creek fire started,” he said. “Images from the nearest webcam have been reviewed and nothing was found to indicate a potential fire start at that location.”

Was there even any evidence to show the fire was started by a cigarette butt?

“I’m not aware at this point of what evidence is or isn’t out there,” said Skrepnek. “The investigation is ongoing. We have been operating under the assumption of course this is a human caused fire and we have since the beginning because there wasn’t any lightning in that area.”

He said the fire is still zero percent contained and noted 137 homes in the area remain under Evacuation Order and another 242 on Alert.

As for the rest of the province, Skrepnek said there are currently 238 fires burning with nine new incidents today.

He said there have been 1,638 fires to date this year burning a total of 292,000 hectares for a total cost of $211 million.

At this time last year, Skrepnek said there had been 1,211 fires burning 302,000 hectares for a total cost of $205 million.

Also of note in the Cariboo Fire Centre, officials say they’ve received reports of people not complying with the partial campfire ban in place.

Campfires are not allowed west of the Fraser River though they are allowed east of the Fraser River, but cannot be larger than 0.5 metres wide by 0.5 metres high.

Officials warn charges may be laid or fines assessed under the Wildfire Act and wildfire regulation if the party responsible is identified.