Image Credit: CFJC Today/File

By Adel Ahmed

WILDFIRE SEASON 2023

CSRD, BC Hydro and BC Wildfire provide an update on Bush Creek East fire

Sep 3, 2023 | 4:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — As the Bush Creek East Wildfire remains out of control, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) provided an update alongside B.C. Hydro and the B.C. Wildfire Service in a virtual information briefing.

CSRD spokesperson Tracy Hughes says 3,663 properties remain on evacuation order while 2,322 are on evacuation alert as of Sunday (September 3) afternoon.

B.C. Hydro say they have made strong progress in restoring power. As of today they have restored power to 1,246 customers and are expecting 1,585 customers to have power restored this afternoon between Talana Bay and St.Ives.

In Meadow Creek, 319 customers remain without power while thirty-eight percent of poles have been replaced. B.C. Hydro crews continue to work in that area.

Scotch Creek west has 485 customers without power while only six remain without power in Scotch Creek east.

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B.C. Hydro says despite good progress is being made towards restoring power in the North Shuswap, the safety of everyone remains their top priority.

“As restoration continues, the safety of public crews and first responders has been and will continue to be our top priority as work to repair extensive damage caused by the wildfires.” B.C. Hydro spokesperson Mary Anne Coules said in the virtual briefing.

In other areas, Holding Road has 234 customers without power. B.C. Hydro say cleanup in the area has been completed and crews are working on digging power holes.

Sixty percent of damaged poles between Squilax Bridge Road and Adams River have been replaced.

Meantime the B.C. Wildfire say they have been making “very good progress” on the Bush Creek fire. Information Officer Marg Drysdale says there may be slightly increased winds today but that won’t affect fire behaviour.

Drysdale adds that B.C. Wildfire will start to see a reduction of fire equipment and structural protection on the wildfire. However she made it clear during the virtual briefing that fire is still visible within the perimeter.

The Bush Creek East wildfire is listed as out of control at 43,084 hectares.