Caption: A hydro pole, transformers, and wires lying on the ground, damaged by wildfire.
Crews begin assessments of damage in some communities as more wildfire damage likely in others
VANCOUVER: BC Hydro crews have begun preliminary restoration work and continue damage assessments in areas impacted by the Big Bar Complex and Brunswick Complex wildfires.
Approximately 1,100 customers remain without power in the Big Bar Complex area, where preliminary assessments have identified significant damage to electricity infrastructure, including approximately 230 distribution poles and 200 transmission poles. Impacted areas include Clinton, 70 Mile House, portions of the Cache Creek area, Big Bar Lake and the Highway 97 corridor between 70 Mile House and Loon Lake south of Clinton.
BC Hydro crews have begun preliminary restoration activities, including civil work, access preparation and material staging, while continuing damage assessments. However, active wildfire conditions continue to restrict access to some areas, preventing crews from fully assessing all affected infrastructure. With fire activity ongoing, there remains strong potential for additional damage, and the full extent of impacts is not yet known.
Given the scale of the damage, restoring power will require rebuilding large sections of infrastructure, not simply repairing isolated outages. Subject to safe access and no significant changes in wildfire conditions, BC Hydro's preliminary estimate is that Clinton could be re-energized within approximately two weeks.
The Brunswick Wildfire Complex remains another area where crews are preparing to begin restoration work. About 100 customers remain without power in the Boston Bar, Hell's Gate, China Bar, North End, and nearby areas.
Damage assessments have identified approximately 34 damaged transmission and distribution poles on the west side of the Fraser River and five additional distribution poles requiring replacement near Ainslie Creek on the east side. Access has been limited due to wildfire activity, but restoration work is expected to begin this week.
BC Hydro plans to start restoration work affecting approximately 100 customers on July 30 and begin work affecting the remaining customers on July 31. As crews gain access to additional infrastructure, restoration timelines will become clearer.
Despite wildfire activity in several regions of the province, BC Hydro's electricity system remains stable. In addition to restoration efforts, BC Hydro crews continue supporting BC Wildfire Service operations by helping clear roads, remove hazardous trees and improve access routes for first responders and critical services.
BC Hydro encourages customers to be prepared for wildfire-related emergencies and extended outages by maintaining a household emergency plan, assembling a grab-and-go emergency kit, keeping emergency contact information readily available and taking actions around their homes and properties. Simple measures such as clearing gutters, moving flammable materials away from structures and maintaining defensible space can make a difference during wildfire season. More information on how to prepare for wildfire is available at bchydro.com/getprepared.
Customers evacuated for five days or longer may qualify for a bill credit for electricity used during that period. The credit is applied automatically. More information is available at bchydro.com or by calling 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376). For up-to-date information on outages visit bchydro.com/outages.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations:
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468