TNRD urging caution in wildfire-affected areas as weather system brings strong winds, rain

“This is going to be an ongoing risk unfortunately for the foreseeable future.”

This is not a new issue in the TNRD, as it has been impacted by wildfires in recent years. That includes the Bush Creek East fire that impacted the Shuswap in 2023 and the Shetland Creek fire in the Venables Valley in 2024.

“The risks usually persist for a year or two when the soil has been severely burned and water runs off and risks pulling the land with it too,” Davies added. “It becomes less and less of a risk as the soil and the ground recovers.”

“The risk of overland flooding from rainstorms can last a bit longer is what we’re aware of.”

An example of that, Davies said, was a washout on Douglas Lake Road that happened last year, four year after White Rock Lake fire impacted the Monte Lake area.

While its hard to predict what areas might be affected, Davies said people with homes and properties near creeks and streams or at the base of steep terrain are more likely to be impacted, especially if the area has been burned severely.

“Unfortunately that means for people who have just gone through the summer wildfires we’ve had – and the Pear Lake Fire specifically – most people haven’t had a chance to breathe and now have to worry about the risk of flooding or debris flows,” Davies said.

“It’s an unfortunate part of that cycle of the natural environment, and we just want to highlight that risk and make sure people are aware.”

The TNRD has also received a Post-Wildfire Natural Hazard Risk Assessment report from the provincial government. It identifies areas that may be subject to risk caused by wildfire like debris flow, flooding, rock falls, landslides, floods, and debris slides.

“It shows areas that have burned based on their severity and it gives an early indication of the low, medium and high risk areas,” Davies said. “A more detailed report will be provided to the TNRD likely in December, which would zero in more on the areas at risk.”

“At that point, we would contact property owners directly and let them know of the potential risk of debris flow, flooding or landslides. Unfortunately, we’re used to doing that with other major fires.”

More information on preparing for landslide and flooding risks due to wildfires can be found here.

by Victor Kaisar

TNRD urging caution in wildfire-affected areas as weather system brings strong winds, rain

Our Community