B.C. wildfires: Telus says newly installed lines in Scotch Creek area damaged by vandals

Efforts to repair telephone, cable and internet lines damaged by the Bush Creek East wildfire will take longer than expected, says Telus.

That’s because some of the newly replaced lines in the Scotch Creek area were vandalized this week.

“Crews worked around the clock this weekend to replace critical infrastructure and maintain vital network connectivity, including installing extensive new fibre cables,” said Telus.

2:09 Volunteers sift through the destruction of McDougall Creek wildfire

“Regretfully, it was discovered on Monday, Sept. 18 that vandals had cut the newly replaced cable, disrupting internet, TV and home phone services in the area and further delaying our ability to fully restore service for thousands of customers.”

As a result, Telus says, it will take a few more weeks to repair the damage.

The company added that its “technicians have made heroic efforts to restore service following the recent wildfires across the province that impacted numerous communities this summer, and it is deeply disheartening and concerning to see the vandalism that took place this past weekend.”

Telus said it’s working with the RCMP in coping with vandalism

“We understand the importance of staying connected with your loved ones, especially during challenging times,” said Telus, “and we will make every effort to keep the community informed of any updates.”

On Monday, Sept. 25, police confirmed to Global News that they are investigating the mischief to a spool of Telus fibre optic wire.

2:34 ‘It’s like driving through a war zone,’ fire evacuees return home in the North Shuswap.