FIRE!
Written on August 23, 2023
“A resident and homeowner in the once peaceful and resplendent hamlet of Lee Creek (North Shuswap) for the past 37 years, I now find myself (along with approximately 11,000 others) six agonizing days into it as a displaced evacuee thanks to the Bush Creek East wildfire that is now estimated to be over 41,000 hectares in size and holds the distinction of being the BC Wildfire Service’s (BCWS) #1 wildfire priority.
How we got here and how things are being managed (or…mis-managed) is the heated topic of the last few days.
With regards to the tactical response to the Bush Creek East wildfire:
Without a doubt and in hindsight, there existed some degree of poor-judgement, mis-communication, a sad lack of resources along with the questionable deployment of what little was had, and, perhaps most disappointingly- the missed opportunities for the parties involved (police, locals, politicians, and the BCWS) to join forces and work collaboratively (and **harmoniously**) on behalf of those of us who are most affected and hence have the most to lose - the residents of the North Shuswap.
To err is human, and it is my sincere hope that we can learn from our mistakes and, as a community, rise from the destruction like a phoenix and emerge from this even stronger, more resilient, more compassionate , more resourceful and cooperative team-players, and thus (collectively) much better prepared for any future disasters.
Whenever you hear of an “interface” wildfire you hear of the “structural” damage/loss incurred. And, losing one’s home and/or business is, unquestionably, a huge and grievous loss and my heart genuinely goes out to those of you who have suffered a loss of this nature.
My husband and I are one of the fortunate ones - our modest home and two acres of rural property in Lee Creek was, *somehow* miraculously spared from this hell-fire and we are profusely counting our blessings.
We also acknowledge that our good fortune is not the product of mere coincidence or good luck but is in fact, directly related to the tireless efforts of our volunteer fire-fighters and the collective efforts of our boots-on-the-ground community. We are forever indebted to each and every one of you! Thank you.
What is often overlooked and under-played in an event such as this is the loss that one experiences on an emotional/psychological level.
With respect to the wildfire and our harrowing evacuation, the trauma that I have personally experienced over the course of this past week is only just starting to sink in - sleepless nights, loss of appetite, a near complete withdrawal from social engagement, heightened anxiety, head and stomach giving me constant grief, and grumpy as hell (my poor, dear husband can attest to this)!
According to a recent interview (CBC radio) with Kathy Keating - a Kelowna-based clinical psychologist responding to the wildfire situation in West Kelowna - trauma of the likes I’m experiencing is quite common, a completely understandable and justified response, and with literally thousands of folks directly affected by the unprecedented wildfires that are raging seemingly without mercy throughout our province - I’m far from being the only one traumatized.
Once we are FINALLY permitted to return to our homes - even for those of us whose homes are still standing - I suggest that it won’t be life as “normal” - not by a long shot.
Our community is forever changed by this event and while I acknowledge that there are some positives in that, I also acknowledge that many, including myself, will grieve the loss of those things that you can’t put a price on and which are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to replace: your favourite forested trail, the osprey nest perched high above the river, that family of masked bandits (raccoons) waddling across your patio at night, those pesky garden-marauding deer, the giant cedar steadfastly rooted in the ravine below your property, landmarks near and dear to us, the golden needles of the larch trees shimmering in the late-afternoon sunlight, the shaded grove of cottonwoods lining the banks of the creek, the sound of the wind whispered through thick, verdant boughs of trees and the rustling of their brightly coloured autumnal leaves - to name but a few.
Numerous species of flora, fauna, and their essential habitat has been disastrously affected. Familiar landscapes that were once lush and green are, in some places, now barren and blackened. An assault on our senses.
As is so often the case where significant loss is experienced and for healing to take place - it’s going to take time, patience, the love and support of community…….and Hope.
Look after yourself.
Be kind to your neighbors.
You’ve got this.
We’ve got each other.
SHUSWAP STRONG!”
Penned by me (Lee Creek resident Lois Hunter)
