Dozens of crews and pieces of equipment have been sent to work on restoring power in the Shuswap.

BC Hydro said in a Saturday (Aug. 26) media release that additional crews have been mobilized to help with the extensive work that is being done to restore power after the damage the Bush Creek East wildfire caused in the North Shuswap.

鈥淪ince the fire started, BC Hydro has been working closely with the BC Wildfire Service, first responders and local governments,鈥� reads the release. 鈥淥ver 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.鈥�

Assessments of damage are being done as access is granted to the impacted areas, said BC Hydro. However, damage recorded to-date is said to be extensive.

About 22 kilometres of power lines, 317 power poles and 52 pieces of equipment will need to be replaced, said BC Hydro.

45 workers are in the area today and an additional 75 will be in the area by Monday, said BC Hydro, adding it will continue to evaluate the number of personnel needed to support and rebuild.

Nearly 1,000 customers have had power restored in areas where BC Hydro has been allowed to access, but it is too early to say when the remaining 3,000 impacted customers will have service, reads the release.

BC Hydro will be prioritizing returning power to critical infrastructure like water and wastewater plants, medical facilities and communications sites while looking for ways to restore the largest number of customers鈥� power as safely as possible.

All available crews are being brought in to assist, including those from around the province that have not been impacted by wildfire.

Residents who have been out of their homes under an evacuation order for five days or more may be eligible for a credit. More information is available at .

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rebecca.willson@saobserver.net
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