The Columbia-Shuswap Regional District is working to organize bus tours for residents who lost homes and properties to the Bush Creek East wildfire.

Emergency Operations Centre Director, Derek Sutherland, says those details are still being finalized.

“That could be sometime next week,” he said Thursday. “This is an important step that needs to be taken before evacuation orders can be lifted for affected areas.”

Last Friday, the CSRD said at least 131 structures within its jurisdiction were destroyed, with another 37 were partially damaged.

Information Officer, Tim Conrad, said those tours will go ahead when it is safe to do so, saying the CSRD has to go through “various processes” before people can access the area.

“We are doing our best to make that as quick as possible but as you will see in time, the damage is quite extensive, and we have to overcome quite a bit,” Conrad said.

The Squilax First Nation – where 85 structures were destroyed and 13 others were damaged – are also planning to organize a bus tour for residents, when its safe.

Fridge and freezer disposal program available to some CSRD residents

The Columbia-Shuswap Regional District also says residents of Sorrento, Anglemont, and St. Ives can now dispose of fridges and freezers.

Sutherland says residents in Sorrento can take their appliances to Skimikin Transfer Station or the Salmon Arm Landfill, while those in Anglemont and St. Ives can head to the Ross Creek Store.

He says to ensure the appliance doors are sealed shut with duct tape, and its labelled with the word “CONTAMINATED” in large print.

“Be sure to speak to your insurance provider before discarding your appliance,” Sutherland said.

The program will be expanded to residents in Lee Creek, Scotch Creek, Celista, and Magna Bay once the Evacuation Order is rescinded.

The CSRD will also be hosting an online community meeting for residents affected by the Bush Creek East wildfire at noon tomorrow, September 1