BC Hydro says its crews will need to replace 22 kilometres of power lines, 317 poles, and 52 pieces of other equipment that was damaged by the Bush Creek East Fire before power can be restored to parts of the Shuswap.

It says it is working to mobilize dozens of crews and the material and equipment needed to carry out the “extensive renovation work.”

“Since the fire started, BC Hydro has been working closely with the BC Wildfire Service, first responders and local governments,” BC Hydro spokesperson, Mora Scott, said in a statement.

“Over the past week, it has mobilized dozens of crews – powerline technicians and vegetation crews – to support with removing damaged equipment and debris, and clearing vegetation.

Work to assess the damage the damage in the North Shuswap is still ongoing as crews are being granted to areas that impacted by the fire, which took a 20 kilometre run last Friday, Aug. 18, fuelled by winds from the north.

“Today, there are 45 workers in the area supporting the restoration work, and by Monday, an additional 75 workers will arrive for a total of 120 workers,” Scott added.

“Hydro will continue to evaluate the number of people needed to support the rebuild and will bring in additional resources as needed.”

The Crown Corporation says its crews have already restored power to nearly 1,000 customers in the area where access has been granted. About 3,000 others remain without power, with no estimate when it might be restored.

Outages remain in the area of Little Shuswap Lake, south Adams Lake, and across the North Shuswap from Lee Creek east to St. Ives. While most of those communities were ordered to evacuate, residents in Anglemont and St. Ives were not, though they’re being offered ESS supports if they choose to leave.

“Going forward, BC Hydro will be prioritizing restoring power to critical infrastructure like water and wastewater plants, medical facilities and communications sites,” Scott said.

“Crews will also be looking for ways to get the largest number of customers restored as safely and quickly as possible.”

#BushCreekEast #BCWildfire update: We’ve mobilized dozens of crews, materials, and equipment to aid in the extensive repair and restoration work underway in the #Shuswap region. See our latest operational update: https://t.co/99V0v61INn pic.twitter.com/TxrrRjSkr2

— BC Hydro (@bchydro) August 26, 2023

To help expedite the process, Hydro says it is routing all available crews and contractors from across B.C. to the area, while also working with crews from Fortis.

“BC Hydro understands this is an extremely difficult time for the community, and it is working hard to restore power to impacted customers, but it will take time,” Scott said.

More information about supports to BC Hydro customers impacted by the wildfires can be found here.