Update on Fire Behaviour - September 28, 2023 - 4 PM
The Bush Creek East wildfire is now classified by BC Wildfire as Being Held. This means it is not likely to spread beyond predetermined boundaries under current conditions.
The size of the fire perimeter is mapped at 45,613 hectares.
The fire has not been extinguished and has not been labelled Under Control. The fire remains active deep in root systems underground and putting it out completely will continue to be a challenge. This is common with large wildfires and will continue until significant rainfall or snowfall.
BC Wildfire is asking citizens to remember that the Bush Creek East Wildfire is an active wildfire area, with increased traffic on key routes. Drivers should slow down and use caution at all times.
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.
Fire bans
The Kamloops Fire Centre rescinded the Category 1 campfire prohibition, effective at noon on Thursday, September 28, 2023. This rescind also includes the use of Chimineas and Tiki and similar kinds of torches.
Waste disposal
All fridge and freezer disposal in the North Shuswap should now go to the Scotch Creek Transfer Station or the Salmon Arm Landfill. The fridge and freezer disposal site at the Ross Creek Store is now closed.
Please do not dump appliances in the store's parking lot any longer. The CSRD is grateful to the Ross Creek Store's owners for allowing this temporary disposal site for North Shuswap residents. It was a much-appreciated service.
All fridges, freezers and residential garbage can be taken to these locations:
● Skimikin Transfer Station (Open Friday to Tuesday 10 AM to 4 PM) Closed on September 30 and October 9 for the statutory holidays.
● Scotch Creek Transfer Station (Open 8 AM to 2 PM, seven days per week until October 15. Ruined fridges and freezers can be dropped off at that site, located at 3508 Squilax-Anglemont Road, Scotch Creek.) Open on September 30 and October 9.
● Salmon Arm Landfill (Open seven days per week - 9 AM to 5 PM) at 4290 20th Ave SE . Open on September 30 and October 9.
If you need help moving your fridge or freezer, please call John Dyck at Christian Aid Ministries at 250-517-0075
All CSRD landfills and transfer stations are open for their regular hours. To accommodate additional demand due to wildfire, the Scotch Creek Transfer Station is remaining on summer hours from 8 AM to 2 PM seven days per week until October 15, 2023. The Scotch Creek Transfer Station will also be open on the Statutory Holidays on September 30 and October 9, 2023.
Debris Clean-up
Communities are encouraged to prioritize debris clean-up on and around properties before the arrival of snow and freezing temperatures. If debris remains in place over the winter, the toxic chemicals and dangerous materials contained in the debris have the potential to enter the watershed.
Christian Aid Ministries are now moving ahead with yard cleanup in the North Shuswap for the people affected by the fire who do not have insurance. Anyone needing help can contact John Dyck at 250-517-0075.
Residents and contractors dealing with debris removal from the North Shore have a new option when it comes to the disposal of concrete and asphalt. Skwlax Aggregates accepts CLEAN concrete and asphalt at $40/Tonne.
Skwlax Aggregates is a Skwlax-owned business, located directly across the road from the industrial park on IR#1. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM. For more information or to ask questions visit www.skwlaxaggregates.com
Building Permit Restrictions
The CSRD Board unanimously agreed to temporarily stop issuing building permits or conducting building inspections in fire-impacted areas of the Shuswap pending results from critical geotechnical assessments. The size and scale of the Bush Creek East Wildfire has the potential to change soil, vegetation, watercourses and other natural features of the area. This can significantly increase the risk of landslides, flooding, rockfall and erosion.
The decision on the moratorium was released from the closed portion of the CSRD Regular Board meeting on Thursday, September 14, 2023. BGC Engineering Ltd. has already started work on the assessment, which covers areas of the North Shuswap, Adams Lake and Sorrento.
Resiliency Centre and ESS
The hours of the Resiliency Centre at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Salmon Arm are changing. Services will be offered:
- Monday to Friday - 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturdays - 9 AM to 2 PM
- Sundays - Closed
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Closed on Saturday September 30, Open on Monday, October 2, 2303 from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Thanksgiving weekend - Closed Saturday, October 7 to Monday, October 9, 2023. Re-opening Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
The Resiliency Centre is a place for those impacted by the Bush Creek East wildfire to connect with the services they need in a safe and supportive environment. Educated case workers are on hand to help assess your needs and access programs and services so you don’t have to do the work on your own.
Some available services include:
- Service BC (Driver’s License, BC Services Card, BCID, Marriage and Birth Certificates) and help with download, use and identity verification for Service BC app.
- Service Canada for questions related to passport replacement, pension and employment insurance applications, claims and direct deposit, old age security and other programs.
- Info on mental and physical health supports, water testing requirements, septic system management, air quality and soil testing.
- Psychological support, referrals for long term mental health support, safe injection kits.
- Cleaning, Personal Hygiene and After the Fire Kits Registration and referrals to other agencies for navigating damage and loss recovery.
For assistance with Emergency Support Services, please call 250-833-3360.
Accessing Information
Keeping the community informed with information related to the Bush Creek East 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:
● Recovershuswap.ca - a dedicated website for recovery information and resources is now live. A community survey regarding wildfire response is also available through that site.
● Shuswap Emergency Map - real-time updates on alerts, fire status and related information
● CSRD Emergency Alert System - download Alertable app to receive alerts
Safety Hazards
Now that evacuation orders have lifted and residents are returning to assess properties, please remember the fire zone remains extremely hazardous, including:
● Ash pits - holes in the ground filled with ash that may contain hot embers
● Danger trees - burned trees and roots that may fall without warning.
● Air quality - hazardous ash or smoke particles
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.
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.