The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) has confirmed that more than 220 structures were damaged during the Bush Creek East wildfire.
During a virtual update on Monday, information officers with the emergency operations centre said 176 structures were completely lost in the fire while another 50 suffered particle losses.
“We are sorry to those who have had to experience these losses and we know you have a difficult journey ahead and we will be here to guide and support you,” said Tim Conrad, CSRD public information officer.
“We are asking anyone who believes they may have experienced structure loss to contact us immediately, if they have not already. We will only have your email and phone number if you contact us. Please call us at (250) 833-3350.”
Starting on Tuesday, people who have lost their homes will be offered viewings.
John MacLean, CAO and Director CSRD Emergency Operations Centre, said people who have lost their homes have received an email that they must immediately reply to.
“This email has information on private, advance access to your property before we downgrade the evacuation orders. This access will be granted to you at specific times,” MacLean said.
People living in Celista will be offered a private viewing on Tuesday 3-5 pm while Scotch Creek and Lee Creek residents will be offered viewings on Wednesday from 10 am until noon.
Starting on Wednesday, several evacuation orders will be lifted and downgraded to alerts. This includes the following areas and times:
At 2 pm on Wednesday, Celista and Magna Bay areas will be downgraded to an alert
At 4 pm on Wednesday, Scotch Creek and Lee Creek areas will moved to an alert
At 7 pm Wednesday, Lower East Adams Lake and Tsútswecw park area will be on alert
All residents in the North Shuswap are asked not to show up early to avoid traffic congestion.
“The fire area is not what you left behind and significant dangers are there,” Conrad explained.
“Nobody should enter burned structures or the burned forest areas. These two areas are highly dangerous and if you enter them you will likely be injured.”
People who are returning home are reminded of several hazards in the area including burned structures that may have chemicals, toxic dust that may include asbestos, sharp objects, loose wires, unstable walls.
The burned forest may still have dangerous fire-damaged areas and ash pits that may be several feet deep, something experts say may be exacerbated by the ongoing drought in the region.
Residents are told to assume drinking water will be non-potable and should not be consumed until testing has been completed. Updates will be available on the CSRD’s Water Advisory Map.
As of Monday evening, the Bush Creek East wildfire was still estimated at 43,084 hectares.
