Standing Together Through the Bald Range Wildfire

Wildfire Resources for Okanagan Residents

As I write this week’s report at the Emergency Donation and Distribution Centre, run by One Sky at the Okanagan College campus in Penticton, the centre is very busy and the volunteers have been most welcoming.

When I wrote my report last week, I left off with the following questions:

“Would you be prepared if a wildfire broke out in your neighbourhood? Do you believe enough has been done to reduce potential wildfire fuel hazards where you live?”

Little did anyone know that roughly 48 hours later the Summerland Bald Range wildfire would break out and very quickly become one of the most dangerous and fast-moving fires ever witnessed in our region.

Within hours of the fire breaking out, over 10,000 residents were evacuated, many in the wee hours of the night. Some residents did not receive any evacuation notice whatsoever and had to be evacuated by helicopter.

Sadly, one of these residents has died, and I am certain all citizens join me in expressing our condolences to the family who has suffered this tragic loss.

Over the past days I have received more calls, texts, and emails than I can count, and I am just one Member of Parliament. I know that other elected officials, as well as emergency service providers and others, have also been receiving record amounts of public inquiries.

In short, very few can likely state they were fully prepared for this fire. For many, they did everything they could on very short notice to be as prepared as possible, not knowing just how fast-moving or dangerous this fire would be.

Many have lost their homes. Others are currently in search of their pets and other lost animals.

Throughout this wildfire, many incredible people have stepped up to volunteer and help their neighbours, and in other cases are helping complete strangers.

One of the sadder situations I heard about was from a person who recently lost their leg. They were not upset about their own misfortune, but rather that they were not able to do more to help others as they would have liked to in this situation.

All of this is so very heartbreaking, but at the same time the kindness and generosity of so many in our community is a reminder that when challenged as Canadians, we will always stand united together.

One other incident that was shared with me was a black-and-white video image taken from a Summerland residence at roughly 2 a.m. The fire can be clearly seen threatening the residence, but also clearly in the image is a small fire truck where the firefighters managed to successfully save the home in question.

Nobody would have blamed these firefighters for abandoning an extremely dangerous situation where they were defending a vacated home. However, they fought the fire head on. These types of situations are being shared with me on an ongoing basis, and I cannot thank our first responders enough for everything that they are doing.

Thank you again for your efforts. On a less positive note, I also have to share that for many citizens who have been evacuated, they often turn to social media for the latest information and for updates on their situation.

For those who engage in posting false, misleading, and inaccurate information: you are not helping the situation. Please take the time to be respectful of others and verify your information before posting.

I would also like to take a moment and sincerely thank all our linemen. Crews from Fortis, BC Hydro, the Summerland Electrical Utility, and elsewhere have been working incredibly hard to restore power.

For growers who have fruit in cold storage, for many citizens who have a fridge or freezer full of food, and for local grocery stores within the evacuated areas, this can make a real difference.

Power is also required in order to get civic infrastructure such as water and wastewater treatment back up and running so citizens can return home.

I know that so many amazing people are working incredibly hard right now to make a difference, and each and every one who is part of this effort is deserving of a sincere thank you.

My question this week: Were you impacted by the Bald Range wildfire?

Your feedback helps me do my job. As always, you are welcome to share your thoughts on my Facebook page, by email at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca, or by calling toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.