A pair of public meetings are planned for North and South Shuswap communities at possible risk of post-wildfire debris flows.
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) has announced it will be hosting two Bush Creek East Post-Wildfire Landslide Risk meetings, the first will be in person from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 at Quaaout Lodge. The second will be online from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on June 17.
The regional district explained in a June 7 news release that last September, BGC Engineering Inc. was contracted to support the CSRD's protective and development services departments "to understand risks to residents and critical infrastructure from post-wildfire geohazards including debris flow, debris flood, flood, and rockfall hazards." B.C.'s forests ministry also contracted Stantec Consulting Inc. to complete a post-wildfire natural hazard risk assessment of the burned area.
"These reports showed a need for a more detailed assessment in certain areas to determine the level of risk to public safety, property and critical infrastructure," said the CSRD. "A recently completed, more detailed assessment from BGC explores possible scenarios where post-wildfire debris flows or floods could be triggered. There was also detailed analysis of how certain areas could be impacted should a debris flow or debris flood take place. BGC has also looked into possible options for mitigation of these risks."
Ten zones of "high risk" were identified in the 73 watersheds that were assessed in wildfire-impacted areas.
"To help the affected residents understand their level of risk, the CSRD is inviting community members impacted by the Bush Creek East Wildfire to a meeting about public safety," said the CSRD, adding BGC will present its findings and the regional district will share details about personal preparedness and emergency services. "There will be an opportunity for residents to obtain information and ask questions."
Details and registration information can be found on our website: csrd.bc.ca/shuswapemergency.
