The devastating consequences of one of B.C.'s wildfires

The Bush Creek East wildfire raging in British Columbia's Shuswap region has destroyed or damaged at least 168 structures. These are the results of an as-yet-unfinished survey of the affected communities.

Columbia-Shuswap Regional District officials shared information about the devastation caused by the wildfire during a briefing Friday. They noted that members of Canadian Task Force 1 were only able to conduct rapid damage assessments in areas that were deemed safe. It is noted, however, that active wildfires are still ongoing in the region and therefore damage assessments cannot be completed.

By Friday evening, it was learned that the fire had destroyed 131 structures in Columbia-Shuswap. Another 37 were damaged.

It has been reported that area residents will be able to check the status of their property by entering their address on the regional district's website, but it was learned Friday that the feature will come at a later time.

Although many properties were damaged or destroyed, officials note that Canadian Task Force 1 and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have found no evidence that anyone died as a result of the Bush Creek East fire.

Firefighters continue to fight the naturall disaster. On Friday, it was reported that the fire was burning 41,000 hectares. Although the wildfire situation has gotten easier in recent days, the Bush Creek East fire continued to be out of control.

Although the threat of wildfires has decreased in some areas, fire officials say there are still many other hazards on the ground after a wildfire that need to be addressed, such as fallen power lines, trees that could fall and injure someone, and toxins from burned chemicals.