An evacuation order for 30 homes in Slocan City could be lifted as early as Wednesday morning if weather conditions remain calm and stable, B.C. forestry officials said.

Fire information officer Julie Castonguay told CBC News on Tuesday that forestry officials are close to getting the Springer Creek wildfire under control.

Fire crews said on Tuesday there's progress in containing the Springer Creek fire near Slocan City, which forced the evacuation of 30 homes last week.
(CBC)

She said the flames, covering 28 square kilometres, have moved away from local homes as cooler temperatures have resulted in less extreme fire behaviour.

"As long as the weather conditions remain calm and stable, we'll be able to make good progress on the fires," Castonguay said.

The B.C. Ministry of Highways said crews are clearing the area of hazards, such as half-burnt trees overhanging Highway 6, which was shut down due to the Springer Creek fire.

Operations manager John Hughes told CBC News Tuesday evening that if it can be done overnight the evacuation order for the 30 homes could be lifted Wednesday morning.

"The final decision is going to be made tonight based on an assessment of the area to make sure it's safe for the people to go back to their homes, and for the travelling public to go through," he said.

Evacuation alerts remain in Hamil Creek, Arrow Lake

Earlier Tuesday, fire crews were putting up guards around the endangered homes, following weekend efforts to battle three major wildfires in southern British Columbia.

"There hasn't been anything major happening," Castonguay said.

"The crews have been making excellent progress on guarding and containing and controlling the fires. They've been working on the north, south and west flank, which are the flanks that are located between the fire and the structures."

The B.C. Forest Service said it has 40 per cent containment of both the Springer Creek fire, which covers 28 square kilometres, and the Hamil Creek fire near Argenta, which covers 15 square kilometres.

The third major fire in the area — the Arrow Lake fire north of Needles — is 50 per cent contained at five square kilometres.

No homes are immediately threatened by the Hamil Creek or Arrow Lake fires, although evacuation alerts are in place.

(With files from the Canadian Press)