The Shuswap Emergency Program has been receiving inquiries about the Bush Creek East fire located approximately 23-kilometres northwest of Chase and west of Adams Lake. It is highly visible from many areas in the Shuswap.
- This fire is burning in the area of the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD), although it is relatively close to the border with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD).
- It is suspected to be lightning-caused and is now more than 265 hectares in size. The fire has been exhibiting Rank 4 fire behaviour as a result of an increase in weekend temperatures, as well as winds gusting between 40 and 50 km per hour in the area. This means the fire is burning at a moderate to fast rate, with fire torching up some trees and into the forest canopy.
- BC Wildfire is actively fighting the blaze with 34 personnel, one helicopter and heavy equipment including two water tenders, two bulldozers, one excavator, one feller buncher and one skidder. An industry heavy equipment task force has been engaged to support response efforts on site.
- This fire is not threatening any structures at this time and no evacuation orders or alerts are in place.
Another fire that is also in the TNRD, but is also close to the CSRD is the Lower East Adams Lake fire, which remains classified as out of control.
- This fire was discovered on Wednesday, July 12 and has since grown to 60 hectares. Lightning is suspected as the cause.
- Similar to the Bush Creek Fire, the blaze is exhibiting Rank 3-4 fire behaviour.
- BC Wildfire crews are on site fighting the blaze, which is growing upslope to the north.
- At this time, no structures are being threatened by this fire.
Shuswap Emergency Program personnel remain in close contact with the BC Wildfire Service and are ready to respond if necessary.
Photo: Courtesy BC Wildfire Service