British Columbia

Rock Creek wildfire crews make progress, but wind could fan flames

Firefighters are working fast to contain the huge Rock Creek fire burning east of Osoyoos, B.C., but changing weather could undermine their best efforts.

Firefighters have been working to contain the large wildfire in B.C.'s southern Interior

The B.C. Wildfire Service estimates the Rock Creek fire to be 42 square kilometres, but it says it's making progress to contain it. (CBC)

Firefighters are working fast to contain the huge Rock Creek fire burning east of Osoyoos, B.C., but changing weather could undermine their best efforts.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says the fire is now 50 per cent contained, but less smoke and better mapping reveal flames have scorched 42 square kilometres of bush.

A change in weather is also on the way, with a dry, cold front forecast to sweep across B.C.'s boundary region, which hugs the U.S. border.

The wildfire service warns the front could pack some strong winds, potentially fanning the Rock Creek fire, complicating efforts to fully contain it.

All evacuation orders have now been lifted for hundreds of people forced out by the fire, but evacuation alerts are still in effect and residents have been warned they may have to leave on short notice.

Thirty homes and 15 outbuildings have been destroyed since the human-caused blaze broke out one week ago.