We know the smoke has thickened and it has become very dark in much of the Shuswap. It’s making a lot of us feel anxious.

The Shuswap Emergency program is monitoring the situation very closely and is in communications with the BC Wildfire Service. No one wants to put anyone’s safety at risk.

If there is a risk, new Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be issued and any changes will be communicated to the public quickly and efficiently. When we know, you will know.

We have spoken with Kyle Young, the BC Wildfire Incident Commander for the Shuswap Complex of fires. He reports increased fire activity, however, it is taking place primarily at higher elevations where the wind speeds are higher. Currently all guards on the Hunakwa Lake, Momich, Two Mile and Crazy Creek Gorge FSR are holding.

We are awaiting a briefing on the White Rock Lake Fire situation.

In the meantime, please stay calm, but alert. Monitor the CSRD and SEP webpages and social media feeds. Sign up for Alertable, which will let you know of important emergency information through the app, text, email or landline phone call. Go to www.csrd.bc.ca/alertable
Keep in touch with any neighbours or friends who may not be as computer savvy, so they can be in the know.