Image Credit: CFJC Today
HIGHWAY 1

‘That’s good news’; Residents in North Shuswap happy with Highway 1 reopening

Aug 25, 2023 | 5:28 PM

KAMLOOPS — Highway one may be reopened to the public, but the damage has been done. 131 structures were lost in the Shuswap as a result of the Bush Creek East wildfire.

The highway reopened on Friday (August 25) at 10 a.m. The Village of Chase says it’s a relief to have the highway open again.

“It’s more relief for sure and I’ve just noticed in the last day or two there seems to be more activity within the town itself so I think that actually is going to help people have a sense of ‘hey things are looking up’.” Chief Administrative Officer Joni Heinrich told CFJC Today.

Heinrich adds that now highway one is open, she is optimistic with how traffic will be going forward. “I think it provides us with a little bit of cautious optimism. I think that in order for the highways traffic to travel there needs to be a level of safety.”

Residents in the Chase area are hopeful this will be the start of things settling down.

“Oh that’s good….well people can get into their places and find out what’s happening. That’s where I’m heading right now as soon as it opens.” said one resident.

“hopefully business will pickup in Chase and everybody can get back to normal and see if their homes are safe and fingers crossed for everybody.” another resident said.

The Bush Creek East fire is listed at more than 41,000 hectares. BC Wildfire is expecting fire behaviour to increase with rising temperatures.