Two years after being destroyed by fire, the ground was broken for the new Scotch Creek Fire Hall in north Shuswap. The Bush Creek East wildfire, part of the devastating 2023 wildfire season in British Columbia’s Interior, engulfed the Scotch Creek Fire Hall along with 175 other structures in the region. Construction officially commenced at a groundbreaking ceremony on November 19, two years after the tragic event.
Derek Sutherland, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s general manager of community and protective services, recalled the rapid spread of the fire that led to a “fire tornado” in the Scotch Creek area on August 19, 2023. Describing the project as a symbol of rising from adversity, Sutherland referred to it as a “phoenix from the ashes.”
During the intense firefighting efforts that night, the fire hall, containing crucial equipment and personal belongings, was consumed by flames. Despite saving one truck parked on the beach, firefighters had to retreat due to the dangerous conditions created by the fast-moving fire.
Sean Coubrough, now the regional fire chief, recounted the harrowing experience of driving through flames to evacuate crews to safety. Some local firefighters lost their homes and stayed at the neighboring Celista Volunteer Fire Department, sleeping on cots to continue their work.
Operating out of rented warehouse space for the past few years has been challenging for the Scotch Creek team, impacting their response time and training. The upcoming fire hall, to be built with fire-resistant materials like steel and metal, symbolizes resilience and strength. It will include five bays and a spacious community hall that will serve as a training room for firefighters.
Located at 1435 Beatty Rd. in Scotch Creek, the new Scotch Creek/Lee Creek Fire Hall will offer a more accessible and convenient location compared to its predecessor. The construction is slated for completion in August 2026.