UPDATE: Friday, September 1, 2023 – 6:30 PM
Barge access and Whitehead Boat Launch
Whitehead Boat Launch on Whitehead Road is closed from 8 AM to 5 PM to accommodate the barge transfer of supplies to Anglemont and St. Ives.
Please remember, if you want to go across to Anglemont on the barge, you must have a reservation. DO NOT show up at the boat launch and expect you will be able to cross.
People need to make a reservation at least 24 hours ahead prior to a departure time they wish to have. We are not able to accommodate vehicles with trailers.
Demand is high and most of the time slots for the long weekend are already full. We ask for your patience and kindness during this challenging time.
To request a reservation, use this online form: https://lfaccess.csrd.bc.ca/Forms/BargeReservationPermit
Community meeting
Thank you to all those who participated in the Online Community Meeting this afternoon. Those who asked questions were considerate and respectful. This was greatly appreciated as we attempted to get answers to as many questions as possible.
The recording of the meeting is now available on the CSRD YouTube Channel, the CSRD and Shuswap Emergency Program websites and through social media platforms.
Information briefing changes for the weekend
There will not be a video briefing on Saturday, September 2 or Monday, September 4, 2023. Written briefing information will be compiled for those days. Updates will be posted to the CSRD and Shuswap Emergency Program website and social media.
A video briefing including the BC Wildfire Service is scheduled for 2 PM on Sunday, September 3, 2023
Do you have structure loss?
Have you been in contact with the CSRD? We need to hear from all people who believe they lost a structure. Please call 250-833-3350 or email [email protected] so we can contact you for a bus trip of the area.
Property owners can search for their address at this site, to see if there is structure loss: https://www.csrd.bc.ca/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1683
Weather update from BC Wildfire Service
- An upper ridge will be pushing into central BC today, bringing warmer and drier conditions, but still with light winds.
- A cold front will be passing over the region on Sunday, bringing light to moderate gusty west winds, showers or thunderstorms.
- Precipitation received on the fire was variable. In some areas, rain did not penetrate the forest canopy.
- Temperatures are expected to increase incrementally over the next two days with a breakdown in the pattern Sunday when winds are expected to pick up and increased fire behaviour is expected. Crews will mitigate the impacts of this weather system by completing control lines and laying hose.
- Residents can expect to see burning within the perimeter of the fire. Crews contain a fire within a perimeter, allow unburnt fuels to continue to burn while protecting homes and infrastructure. Structure protection is deployed where and as needed.
- Several major safety hazards are present in the area. These include hazards from wildfire impact like danger trees, and hazards associated with response efforts like heavy equipment and aircraft engaging in suppression activities.
Emergency Support Services (ESS)
ESS will be open at its new location at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Salmon Arm (790-16 Street NE). Operating hours will be 9 AM – 4 PM seven days a week. The phone number remains the same 250-833-3360.
Appliance disposal
Refrigerator and freezer disposal is now available for residents of Sorrento, Angelmont and St. Ives. Be sure to speak to your insurance provider before discarding your appliance.
If you think it’s UNSAFE to open your refrigerator/freezer, or you have been instructed to discard it:
- Seal the doors shut with duct tape
- Label the appliance “CONTAMINATED” in large print
Transport the appliance to specified locations as outlined below:
Sorrento
Residents can take appliances to the Skimikin Transfer Station (Open Friday to Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM) or the Salmon Arm Landfill (Open 7 Days a Week - 9 AM to 5 PM.)
Anglemont & St. Ives
Ruined refrigerators and freezers on properties located outside of the Evacuation Order areas of the North Shuswap can be brought to a drop off location that has been set up at:
Ross Creek Store (6929 Squilax-Anglemont Road). There is also a bin placed in this location for residential garbage.
If you need assistance with moving your fridge or freezer, please contact John Dyck with Christian Aid Ministries at 250-517-0075.
Residents of Lee Creek, Scotch Creek, Celista & Magna Bay will receive instructions when the Evacuation Order is rescinded.
Fire conditions
A weather rollercoaster is expected over the long weekend with warm days and drying conditions followed by cooler weather and potential for rain early next week. All good for the firefighters battling the ongoing Bush Creek East wildfire.
Prescription deliveries
Those that are out of the Evacuation Order areas and need support with medical prescriptions, please call 250-833-3397.
Donations/fundraisers
Call the CSRD: 250-833-3396
People running event-based fundraisers should use the Shuswap Tourism Events Calendar on their website shuswaptourism.ca to help with promotion.
ESS is accepting gift cards to assist evacuees. Only gift cards will be accepted at this location. DO NOT bring other items to the reception centre. Call 250-833-3396 instead.
ESS will be open at its new location at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Salmon Arm (790-16 Street NE). Operating hours will be 9 AM – 4 PM seven days a week. The phone number remains the same, 250-833-3360.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Evacuation Status Dashboard
Please visit the Shuswap Emergency Program website to view the interactive map to find out if your property is on Evacuation Alert or Order.
BC Wildfire
For the latest updates on the Bush Creek East wildfire (K21633), visit the BC Wildfire Dashboard.
Barge reservation request: https://lfaccess.csrd.bc.ca/Forms/BargeReservationPermit
Livestock Assistance 250-833-3399
Emergency Support Services (ESS) 250-833-3360
Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Information Line
250-833-3350 from 8 AM to 5 PM or email [email protected]
Structure loss map: https://www.csrd.bc.ca/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1683
Photo: Traffic is stopped while crews deal with trees across the road. (Viktoria Haack/CSRD)