Update: September 16, 2023 at 1 PM
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has provided the Shuswap Emergency Program with an update on the Bush Creek East Wildfire, which remains an active fire in the area.
Fire flare-ups in the Notch Hill area were less active overnight than yesterday, September 15, 2023.
"However, as temperatures rise today and with significant wind forecast throughout the weekend, we anticipate increased fire activity in that area (and other areas of the fire) for the next couple days," says Jody Lucius, Adams Complex Fire Information Officer.
"It will remain highly visible in surrounding areas," she adds.
There remain large areas of unburnt fire fuel within the Bush Creek East perimeter. The flare-ups currently being reported are not new fires, but are hot spots within the already defined Bush Creek East Wildfire. With the fire also continuing to burn in tree root systems underground, hot dry weather can cause the fire activity to increase.
Ground crews, heavy equipment and water tenders continue to work in the Notch Hill area today. Air support is also available and will be used as needed.
The Bush Creek East Fire remains classified by BC Wildfire as out of control. Numerous areas of the Shuswap remain on Evacuation Alert status due to this wildfire.
To confirm if your area remains on Evacuation Alert, use the Shuswap Emergency Program's mapping dashboard.
BC Wildfire continues to conduct infrared scanning to identify and fight hot spots on the Bush Creek East Wildfire.
If people see smoke coming from well within a fire’s perimeter and the area is surrounded by black, burned material, it is typically not a concern. However, smoke rising from green, unburned fuel or from outside a fire’s perimeter should be reported to the BC Wildfire Service immediately by calling *5555 or 1-800-663-5555.
This will be the only Shuswap Emergency Program wildfire update for today, unless we receive new information from the BC Wildfire Service.
