Triton docks building smouldering in Scotch Creek after the Bush Creek East wilfire swept through.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Jim Cooperman

The Thursday rain calmed wildfire activity in the Shuswap, but a warming weekend may up the intensity.

The BC Wildfire Service continues to build up fire guards and mop up fire edges of the Bush Creek East wildfire that's impacting several Shuswap communities.

Now measured at around 43,000 hectares, the wildfire moved closer to Sorrento on its southeast flank, where crews are extinguishing hot spots near Fredrickson Road and the nearby railway.

That area was the newest growth for the fire as of yesterday, Aug. 31, while mop up and hand ignitions continued on the north side of Shuswap Lake.

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Crews completed fire guards above Lee Creek yesterday and will continue hand ignitions along Hilliam Road by the end of today, Sept. 1, according to the wildfire service.

Some the water tanks for structure protection have been placed in the Lee Areas and Scotch Creek areas, and sprinklers and other equipment remained in the area, fire information officer Mike McCulley said during an Aug. 31 Columbia Shuswap Regional District fire update.

He said the rain was helpful to cool fire behaviour, but the ongoing drought conditions in the area, and across the province, will still pose a risk in the days ahead.

Today and tomorrow, Sept. 2, are expected to warm up to near 30 C, but there's a chance of rain on Sunday in the area.

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The Bush Creek East wildfire, which merged last month with another Adams Lake area fire, destroyed or damaged nearly 170 properties when it swept through Shuswap communities more than a week ago. It spread over communities like Lee Creek and Celista, then crossed the lake toward Turtle Valley and Sorrento.

Thousands are under evacuation orders in the area and even more remain under evacuation alerts, including the Village of Chase.

The wildfire service didn't immediately respond to a phone call from iNFOnews.ca, but it's expected to provide updates with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District later today.

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