WILDFIRES – Nine structures destroyed, two damaged in Adams Lake area

Nine structures have been destroyed and two damaged by the Bush Creek East wildfire within the Thompson-Nicola Regional District,  the TNRD reported today (Aug. 23, 2023).

The tally came as the Emergency Operations Centre completed Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) in areas within TNRD jurisdiction impacted by the fire.

All impacted structures within TNRD jurisdiction were in the southern Adams Lake area. To date, there have been no structures damaged or destroyed in the TNRD areas of Loakin-Bear Creek Road, Little Shuswap Lake Road, or in Turtle Valley.

The TNRD Emergency Operation Center is reaching out directly to property owners who have had structures damaged or destroyed and will work to inform these property owners of next steps in recovery.

At this time, several areas within TNRD Electoral Areas “O” (Lower North Thompson) and “P” (Rivers and the Peaks) remain on evacuation order due to the Bush Creek East fire. These areas include lower west Adams Lake, Turtle Valley, and portions of Loakin-Bear Creek Road and Little Shuswap Lake Road.

There remain ongoing hazards in fire affected areas, including downed power lines, danger trees, and debris, the TNRD said. Active fire suppression efforts are also continuing in many areas.

“The TNRD will continue to work with responding agencies to lift evacuation orders as soon as possible, and downgrading of evacuation orders will come at the recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service.”

For up-to-date information on Evacuation Orders or Alerts within TNRD boundaries, visit tnrd.ca/emergency. For information on status and response activities of all active wildfires, visit bcwildfire.ca.