Shuswap fires merge into massive complex, now called Bush Creek East fire. (Google Earth Fire Map/B.C Wildfire Service)

By Kevin Rothwell

Numerous communities impacted

Shuswap fires merge into massive complex

Aug 20, 2023 | 11:45 AM

The Lower East Adams Lake and the Bush Creek East wildfires have merged and will be referred to as the Bush Creek East fire creating a fire area of over 41,000 hectares

“There are several hazards present in areas that the fire has passed through including danger trees and non-vegetative smoke,” the B.C. Wildfire Service stated.

“Wildland firefighters do not have the training or personal protective equipment to work safely around these hazards. Structure protection crews are mopping up around structures. Wildland firefighting crews are focused on slowing fire growth toward structures in areas where the fire continues to progress actively through timber and grassland,” the service added.

North of Highway 1 Little Shuswap Lake area:

• The fire has progressed to the lake and there are potential structural impacts.
• A unit crew is working on building guard from the west above structures, which is expected to be completed by the end of day.
• Heavy equipment options are being assessed.

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Lee Creek area:

• The fire remains upslope in the Lee Creek drainage but is backing toward Freeman Road. There is a structure protection strike team engaged in structure defence.
• In all other areas, the planned ignition that occurred on Aug. 17 has held the fire north of the power lines, west of the Lee Creek drainage, and north of structures in the community of Lee Creek.

Scotch Creek area:

• Structure protection personnel are actively engaged in structure defence and mop-up around structures in Scotch Creek.

Celista:

• There is still active fire in the community. There is a structure protection presence actively engaged in structure defence on Meadow Creek Road and Evans Road.

South of Highway 1 Sorrento:

• The Sorrento Fire Department has been engaged for the past 24+ hours. The fire in this area is now an interface fire with structural firefighters engaged in active structure defence.
• Wildland firefighters are working to slow the progression of the wildfire toward other structures in the wildland-urban interface.
• There are currently initial attack crews and a task force of water tenders supporting.

Phillips Lake area:

• There is currently very minimal visibility in this area, but the fire has likely progressed southward toward the lake.