Dense smoke is hanging over Sicamous and the fire zone again this morning, preventing a clear view of the area at this point. Winds have died down this morning and we should be able to provide another update sometime after noon today.
Checking the fire around 2am last night, only a few small fire spots higher up in the mountains could be seen on the north flank of the fire line. A slightly larger burning spot was visible halfway up the mountain on the southern borderline of the fire. Some dim light could be noticed behind the ridge of the higher visible mountain line, indicating some burning beyond the line of sight. No fire spots could be found close to Sicamous, further indicating that the fire continues to move away from populated areas.
The CSRD is assessing the situation several times a day and as soon as it has been determined that it is safe for people to return, the orders will be rescinded. Updates or changes in this regard are available on the CSRD website (https://www.csrd.bc.ca) or the CSRD Facebook page.

4 new fires have started in the Sugar Lake area yesterday, bringing the total of currently active fires within the Shuswap Watershed to 32.
15 of those fires are classified as 'Out-of-Control' burning on nearly 8,000 HA in size. The 4 new fires are already consuming 550 HA, whereas 6 small fires are 'Under-Control' and 7 fires are currently 'Being Held' totalling 100 HA.
A daily updated list and map of Shuswap wildfires is available at shuswaplakewatch.com.

There are currently 4 evacuation zones within the Shuswap Watershed:

Sicamous Fire:
Evacuation Order: Southern half of Sicamous to 2-Mile subdivision
Evacuation Alert: Remaining half of Sicamous and along Highway 97A south of 2-Mile to Swansea Point

Hunakwa Lake Fire (Anstey Arm):
Evacuation Order: South-east half of the town of Seymour Arm
Evacuation Alert: North-west half of Seymour Arm

Three Valley Lake Fire:
Evacuation Order: Entire north side of Three Valley Lake
Evacuation Alert: North-west of Three Valley Lake on the south side of Highway #1

Bews Creek Fire (6 km east of Queest Mtn):
Evacuation Order: Mountain area north-west of the fire

The temperatures in the Shuswap mountains remain unusually warm for this time of the year. All snow, including the high alpine regions, has melted away. Wooded areas remain extremely dry, allowing fires to start easily and to quickly grow out of control. Be especially careful when driving on mountain service roads. Do not smoke outside your vehicle and never flip cigarette butts out of the window. It is highly advised to carry a fire extinguisher and at least a shovel in case something goes wrong when driving along densely wooded roads. Keep the emergency number to report wildfires on your phone before heading up the mountain. Stay away from areas of burning fires.
The snowpack dashboard now shows mountain temperatures during the summer months.

Shuswap Mountains Sledding Trails, Cabins, Parking, etc. (First Draft: Eagle Valley; more to come soon)

Update 2021-07-18:
- Snowpack dashboard shows mountain temperatures during the summer

Update 2021-07-16:
- Added quick-stats to wildfire list, grouped by fire status
- Reversed wildfire list sort order by date; new fires are now shown first

Update 2021-07-15:
- Cleaned up the active wildfire list on the HOME page.
--- All wildfires are now displayed in a scrollable box
- The active wildfire list and wildfire map is updated twice daily:
--- As part of our regular evening web site update
--- And 1 - 2 hrs after midnight

Update 2021-07-12:
- Changed icon image for Out-of-Control fires
- Added fire size to the HOME page wildfire list and mouse over icon now shows latest fire status

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