The federal government has approved British Columbia's request for assistance to shelter and accommodate residents displaced by rapidly spreading wildfires in the Okanagan region. Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski said federal officials have been directed to work with the province to ensure support reaches those who need it most.
The approval comes as the Bald Range fire exploded in size by more than 100 square kilometres on Saturday, prompting evacuation orders for about 10,000 homes across Summerland, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, and the Penticton Indian Band. An additional 3,200 properties remain under evacuation alert stretching north past Peachland to Highway 97C and south along the western outskirts of Penticton.
Evacuees describe long waits at reception centres
At the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, evacuees reported waiting up to 14 hours to register for assistance. Allan Jennens, who spent the night in his vehicle, said he chose to sleep in his car so elderly evacuees could use available beds. "There is a bed if you have no other place to sleep," he said. "I've seen some elderly people who had no other place to go."
Kathleen Newman, who also waited roughly 14 hours, said the delays reveal systemic problems. "There is definitely something wrong with our system," she said. BC Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene acknowledged the congestion at reception centres and urged evacuees to consider registering online where possible.
Provincial state of emergency declared
Premier David Eby declared a provincial state of emergency on Saturday, describing the Bald Range fire as a significant shift in BC's wildfire situation. The premier said the lead commander on the fire characterized it as "like a bomb going off in the Summerland region."
Peachland Mayor Patrick van Minsel said the fire evolved from a small blaze to one of the worst the community has seen within two hours. Approximately 1,200 to 1,500 Peachland residents have evacuated, with another 1,000 under alert. The mayor emphasized the importance of preparedness and compliance with evacuation orders.
Several evacuees have since learned their homes survived. Tom Joseph, who fled Summerland in bumper-to-bumper traffic, said his house was spared though garages farther down his street burned. Joanne Liboiron described the moment a siren sounded at 1:30 a.m. Saturday, forcing her family to abandon efforts to protect their property. "You don't want to be stupid," she said. "When the siren goes you listen to the police and you go to safety."
Based on reporting by Global News.