Quiet weekend for Bush Creek East wildfire in Shuswap

CHILLIWACK — Mike McCulley, an information officer with the B-C Wildfire Service, says it has been relatively quiet in terms of growth on the wildfire that’s destroyed more than 130 structures and damaged several dozen others in the Shuswap region.

An evacuation order for the Sorrento area has been downgraded, allowing residents of more than 800 properties to return to their homes.

But McCulley says conditions are hot, dry, and challenging as crews continue to battle the 430-square-kilometre Bush Creek East blaze.

Larry Read with neighbouring Skwlax te Secwepemculecw says it has been a “very traumatic” week for the First Nation, where the fire destroyed 85 structures.