UPDATE: Sunday, September 3, 2023 – 5 PM
Do you have structure loss?
Details on the plans to provide access to residents who have experienced property loss or damage will be sent to those residents by email. An immediate response from these residents is required. We will be providing access before Evacuation Orders are dropped.
If you believe your property may be damaged by wildfire, and have not received an email, please call us at 250-833-3350 or email [email protected] so you can participate.
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
Preparing for Re-entry
As we move towards re-entry, we must remember the fire zone is extremely dangerous. The wildfire has left significant damage and dangerous conditions behind. This includes ash pits, which are holes in the ground filled with ash, possibly containing hot embers beneath. Danger trees may fall without warning. The air may be affected by hazardous ash or smoke particles.
Emergency order downgrades to come
Evacuation orders have been in place for a long time. We hear your concerns each day they continue. The areas that remain under evacuation are no longer due to active wildfire, but damage left behind due to the extreme fire which passed through much of the area.
The damage within the fire area includes roads, bridges, down trees and hydro poles, danger trees, loss of phone and internet lines as well as communications towers and lost structures including a fire department.
Crews have been working weeks to repair the damage and we are getting close to a point which most areas will be able to return.
Prior to orders being lifted, access for those who lost structures will be completed.
It is likely residents will see a staged return, with one order lifted at a time.
Changes to Evacuation Orders and Alerts
- The Evacuation Order for 14 properties in the Unincorporated area known as Sorrento was downgraded to an Evacuation ALERT on September 2, 2023. Affected property owners may return home.
- The Evacuation Alerts for the parts of the Unincorporated Areas known as Sorrento, Notch Hill, West Blind Bay, Skimikin and Tappen have been rescinded to All Clear effective September 2, 2023.
- As of September 3, 2023, there are 3,663 properties remaining on Evacuation Order and 2,322 on Evacuation Alert.
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
Weather and Fire Conditions
Cooler weather with higher humidity in the first few days of the week will continue to dampen fire behaviour and allow firefighters to work on direct attack and guard creation.
There are scattered showers in the forecast, but with only small amounts of precipitation. There will be a warmer, dryer trend into the middle of the week and the weekend. There has been no significant growth on the Bush Creek East wildfire in the past couple of days.
Emergency Support Services (ESS)
ESS is open 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, Anglemont 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 in Anglemont or St. Ives, please contact John Dyck with Christian Aid Ministries at 250-517-0075.
Residents of Lee Creek, Scotch Creek, Celista & Magna Bay will receive disposal instructions when the Evacuation Order is rescinded.
Prescription deliveries
Those that are out of the Evacuation Order areas and need support with medical prescriptions, the number has changed. Please call 250-803-2912.
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 the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Salmon Arm (790-16 Street NE). Operating hours are 9 AM – 4 PM seven days a week. The phone number remains the same, 250-833-3360.
Information briefing changes
There will not be a video briefing on Monday, September 4, 2023. Written briefing information will be compiled. Updates will be posted to the CSRD and Shuswap Emergency Program website and social media.
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.
CSRD
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