Image credit: BC Wildfire Service

By Vernon Matters Staff

Lightning strikes

Shuswap hit with rash of new fires

Jul 29, 2022 | 3:00 PM

An early-morning lightning storm sparked a number of new spot-sized fires in the Shuswap, with the B.C. Wildfire Service currently assessing the situation and actively fighting fires in a number of locations.

As of 2:00 p.m. today, there were about nine new fires identified by BC Wildfire in the region in areas surrounding Seymour Arm, Anglemont, Scotch Creek, Hunter’s Range, Queest and Perry River.

“All of these fires are listed as small in size and most are in remote areas. No structures are being threatened,” a news release from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) stated.

Both the CSRD’s Scotch Creek and Anglemont Fire Departments are currently assisting BC Wildfire with fire starts in the North Shuswap.

Two small fires are now considered contained, but local fire crews will remain on site to ensure there are no flare-ups.

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The Shuswap Emergency Program has not been activated to deal with any fire situation at this time.

If BC Wildfire determines there is a need, members of the Shuswap Emergency Program will be called in.

For the most up-to-date information, the best source is the BC Wildfire Service Dashboard.

With the amount of lightning associated with this storm, more fire starts are possible. The public is a crucial source of fire information. If you see smoke or have a concern about a possible new fire, call *5555 on mobile or 1-800-663-5555.

Citizens are also reminded that many wildfires are human-caused. With high temperatures continuing, be sure to use extreme caution and exercise all precautions to avoid any additional fire starts.