Shuswap departments have not yet been asked for assistance in battling the Los Angeles wildfires, though neighbouring communities have received and approved such requests. 

At the Jan. 14 Revelstoke council meeting, Fire Chief Steven DeRousie asked for and received approval to send a crew and maybe a truck after BC Wildfire requested a potential deployment, though is just "putting our feelers" with departments at this time.

He added that Kelowna and possibly Vernon and Penticton are sending crews, but the Shuswap hasn't yet had any of those "feelers."

"We have not been approached," Salmon Arm Fire Chief Brad Shirley confirmed. "However, upon a request and the City's approval, we would definitely send a crew and apparatus." 

District of Sicamous staff also confirmed they haven't been approached, as did the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD), though it echoed Shirley's comment about being willing to help. 

"At this time, the CSRD has not been asked to provide support for the fires in California. Currently there are no plans to send CSRD crews to assist," communications assistant Stephanie Goodey-Ramsey said. "However, if a request was made, we would be happy to explore more ways we can support."

According to the Cal Fire website, there are currently 153 wildfires burning since starting earlier this month, 40,660 acres burned, 24 fatalities, more than 12,300 structures destroyed and 24,419 emergency responses.