Nearly 18,000 without power in East Kootenay after wildfire smoke and storm damage

Nearly 18,000 B.C. Hydro customers in the East Kootenay were without power Sunday after wildfire smoke and storm damage affected the utility’s transmission and distribution systems.

Radium Hot Springs, Fairmont Hot Springs, Athalmer, Golden, Invermere, Canal Flats and Parsons had been without electricity since 8:30 p.m. Saturday. B.C. Hydro said several transmission structures are beyond repair and must be replaced.

Crews must receive clearance from the B.C. Wildfire Service before entering affected areas. The utility said it has assessed locations outside the fire zone and started rebuilding infrastructure serving Golden and Invermere. Distribution repairs could be substantially complete Sunday, but cannot be energized until transmission service is restored.

B.C. Hydro cautioned that restoration estimates could change with wildfire activity, weather, access and further damage assessments. DriveBC said the outages had closed all fuel and EV-charging stations between Revelstoke and the Alberta border, and between Golden and Wasa. Residents are asked to report damaged power equipment to B.C. Hydro.