Keeping the community informed with information related to the Bush Creek Wildfire emergency and recovery is critical to move forward. Everyone is encouraged to play a part in seeking and sharing information specific to their individual needs. Key contacts include:
The Resiliency Centre - Fairfield Inn & Suites, 790 16 St NE, Salmon Arm
250-833-3400
Emergency Support Services - Fairfield Inn & Suites, 790 16 ST NE, Salmon Arm
NOTE: Information below has not been updated but remains relevant as recovery efforts continue.
Fire size updated September 8, 2023.
Fuels are becoming more available to burn at lower elevations and as we move into the weekend with these continuous warming and drying conditions, we will see the upper elevations become more available to burn as well. Today the winds are forecasted to be relatively light, but adding slope and lake effects, as well as valley funneling, we will see potential for increased winds and thus increased fire behaviour on both K21633 and K22024.
Evacuation Orders have been downgraded to Evacuation Alerts for Scotch Creek, Lee Creek and Celista. Evaluation Alerts for Anglemont have been rescinded to All Clear.
Temporary emergency services have reverted back to normal operations now that evacuation orders have been lifted. These include:
Prescription delivery ceased
Emergency barge operation ceased
Landfills and transfer stations now open
Appliance disposal locations
Label the appliance “CONTAMINATED” in large print. Transport the appliance to specified locations as outlined below:
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)
Ross Creek Store, located at 6929 Squilax-Anglemont Road. There is also a bin placed in this location for residential garbage.
The Scotch Creek Transfer Station is open effective on Thursday, September 7, from 8 AM to 2 PM, seven days per week. Ruined fridges and freezers can be dropped off at that site, located at 3508 Squilax-Anglemont Road, Scotch Creek.
If you need help moving your fridge or freezer, please call John Dyck at Christian Aid Ministries at 250-517-0075.
The Resiliency Centre is now open at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Salmon Arm, located at 790-16 Street NE.
Services are available 9 AM to 4 PM, seven days a week
Available services include Service BC, Service Canada, Interior Health, the Red Cross and other community-based organizations aiding in recovery efforts
Now that evacuation orders have lifted and residents are returning to assess properties, please remember the fire zone remains extremely hazardous, including:
The fire area may look unfamiliar, making it difficult to spot some of the hidden hazards. Do not enter burned structures, burned forest or areas with fencing or barricades indicating hazards until assessed by a professional.
Some boil water advisories may be lifted over the coming week. Until then, water should be assumed to be non-drinkable, and should not be consumed until testing has been completed. Information on CSRD-managed water systems as well as other registered systems is available online at drinkingwaterforeveryone.ca.
Properties still on order
While evacuation orders have been lifted through the region, some individual properties with damage rendering the structure unsafe to enter remain on evacuation order. These properties are listed on the Shuswap Emergency Mapping Dashboard.
Structure Loss
Some additional rapid damage assessments have taken place in the North Shuswap. These were properties that could not be reached by Canada Task Force 1 due to active wildfire or impassable conditions. Unfortunately there has been additional structure loss.
As of September 4, 2023, there are approximately:
Emergency Support Services (ESS) and Resiliency Centre
ESS will remain open until further notice at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Salmon Arm,
The Resiliency Centre is now open at the same location to provide in-person assistance for all personal recovery activity.
Operating hours for ESS and the Resiliency Centre are 9 AM – 4 PM, seven days a week.
Call ESS at 250-833-3360.
Call the Resiliency Centre at 250-833-3400.
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 (located at the Fairfield Inn & Suites) 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