Twenty-nine homes are confirmed lost in the Rock Creek wildfire.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary says 11 additional properties are affected, where structures other than homes were damaged or lost.

Authorities are contacting residents that lost their homes. Residents within the affected area can call 250-368-0254 for information.

Meanwhile, evacuation orders have been downgraded to evacuation alerts for the Highway 3 corridor through Rock Creek. The evacuation alert area includes 88 homes and businesses that residents can return to.

According to DriveBC, Highway 33 to Rock Creek remains closed, but Highway 3 between Osoyoos and Midway was reopened late Saturday night.

Evacuation orders are still in effect for the Highway 33 corridor from Rock Creek to the south intersection of Blythe-Rhone Road.

The RCMP continues to patrol evacuated areas to ensure safety and security.

Every effort is being made to return Kettle River Provincial Park evacuees to their vehicles and belongings. The plan is to return people to the park, escorted in small groups, and to start that process today.

A public meeting has been called for 4 p.m. today at the Midway Community Centre to update affected residents of the area.

Photo: Contributed - Scott