BC Hydro begins wildfire restoration work, assesses extensive infrastructure damage
Posted July 30, 2026 3:11 pm.
BC Hydro says crews have started restoration work in wildfire-affected areas while continuing to assess damage caused by the Big Bar and Brunswick wildfire complexes.
The provincial utility reports that about 1,100 customers have experienced power outages in the Big Bar Complex area. Initial assessments have identified damage to approximately 230 distribution poles and 200 transmission poles.
Affected communities include Clinton, 70 Mile House, parts of the Cache Creek area, Big Bar Lake, the Highway 97 corridor between 70 Mile House and Clinton, and Loon Lake south of Clinton.
BC Hydro said ongoing wildfire activity continues to limit access to some areas, preventing crews from completing a full assessment of the electrical infrastructure. The utility also warned that additional damage may be discovered as the fires continue to burn.
Power restoration to the Clinton area could take up to two weeks, according to current estimates.
Meanwhile, BC Hydro is preparing to begin restoration work on July 30 and 31 in areas affected by the Brunswick Wildfire Complex. About 100 customers remain without electricity in Boston Bar, Hell’s Gate, China Bar, North Bend and surrounding communities.
The utility said the repairs include replacing 34 damaged transmission poles and five distribution poles.
“As crews gain access to additional infrastructure, restoration timelines will become clearer,” BC Hydro said.
