Residents Hamper Wildfire Fighting Efforts

Firefighters battling wildfires in Shuswap area

It was shocking to find out that equipment meant to fight the wildfires in British Columbia are being stolen, including all-terrain vehicles, which is hampering efforts to battle the blazes in the Shuswap area, north east of Kamloops, and north of Kelowna.

Pumps, sprinklers, hoses and ATVs have been taken from the North Shuswap area, "critically impacting" firefighters' strategy in battling the wildfires.

The wildfire service posted on social media saying that gear that would protect dozens of homes is being moved to areas where the equipment is ineffective.

Tower says garbage thrown at firefighters

Information officer Forrest Tower said in one case where equipment protecting the wooden Scotch Creek bridge, which provides access for multiple communities, was stolen three times.

He said if the bridge were to burn, communities would have to either rely on boats or make a lengthy trip east if they needed to flee to safety.

"You are not helping if you're moving firefighter equipment. Firefighters are experts, the equipment is put there for a reason," said BC Premier David Eby.

"And when it's not there when the firefighters go to get it, that is a big problem. So please do not tamper with firefighter equipment."

It is unbelievable that people would actually take firefighting equipment when this is a collective effort.

Or is this a bid to sabotage the firefighters?

Many structures lost to wildfires in Shuswap

Tower also told a media outlet that residents who were left behind in Shuswap have thrown garbage at firefighters. There is growing frustration there, as the residents feel there isn't enough manpower fighting the wildfires there, and that firefighters made a critical mistake in trying to fight fire with fire yesterday, which led to the merging of two fires into one ferocious blaze.

It is now estimated at 410 square kilometres in size.

Nevertheless, British Columbians are devastated by the wildfires. They are thankful to the firefighters who are risking their lives to do their best to save whatever they can.

But preventing them from trying to do their best intentions is downright selfish and unconscionable.

 

Wildfires Continue to Burn

Shuswap saw two wildfires merge into one, ravaging homes

There's a lot of relief in Kelowna this evening, as the cooler temperatures and not much wind helped firefighters battle the wildfires much better today, putting them more on the offensive rather than defensive like the last 24-48 hours.

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund warned when people are able to return to their homes, they will be shocked to see some homes gone, others have fires stopped just before their decks, that's just the reality of the situation. As a result there will be heartbreak for some, and relief for others.

West Kelowna fires under better control today

While there is a bit of reprieve in Kelowna, the Shuswap area was engulfed in flames today, with residents grabbing whatever they could and then fleeing their homes.

Two wildfires had merged into one, destroying homes and forcing the evacuation of some 5,000 residents. Evacuees have described it as "explosive" and "a war zone".

Forrest Tower, a fire information officer with BC Wildfire Service, said the Bush Creek fire exhibited "very, very intense, extreme fire behaviour."

He explained while a significant fire would typically move 12 to 15 kilometres per day, the Bush Creek fire "moved 20 kilometres south in under 12 hours."

Anyone who wants to help the evacuees can donate money to the Red Cross, as monetary donations are best at this time.

Vancouver experiencing haze from the smoke

Meanwhile the smoke from these wildfires have reached Metro Vancouver. This morning just before 9am the sun was bright orange in a hazy sky, and I put on a mask while walking to the bus stop and on the bus. It will continue to be hazy for the next few days, with the chance of showers on Tuesday evening and Wednesday during the day.

Showers aren't enough to douse the flames, but at this rate, anything is better than nothing.

With water restrictions in place in Metro Vancouver, we have begun saving waste water in the kitchen to water the plants and trees on our property. It's a wonder we weren't expected to do this earlier...