Nearly seven days have passed since a wildfire on Vancouver Island spiraled out of control, resulting in the evacuation of hundreds of individuals from their residences. Morgan Mack, one of the affected residents, has been reminiscing about the home her family was compelled to vacate, which holds cherished memories spanning a decade, including her infant daughter’s crib.
The uncertainty of the situation has left Mack emotional, wondering about the fate of their possessions and whether they will return to a home devoid of their treasured memories. She expressed concerns not only for her family but also for the broader community impacted by the devastating situation.
Although some evacuees have been allowed to return home as of Wednesday evening, the majority, including Mack, remain displaced as authorities continue their efforts to contain the expanding Wesley Ridge wildfire. The blaze has engulfed 571 hectares since its ignition on July 31, with recent growth primarily confined to challenging backcountry terrain, posing obstacles for firefighting crews.
Amidst the crisis, both the firefighters and evacuees are witnessing a surge of support from the community. Acts of kindness, such as decorating meal bags for the nearby firefighters, exemplify the unity and encouragement prevailing in the face of adversity. Chris Burger, the proprietor of Meadowood General Store, expressed cautious optimism, attributing it to the preparedness and dedicated efforts of the firefighting teams, which have thus far safeguarded homes from the advancing flames.
Numerous individuals, including Kymon Giakoumakis, owner of Extreme Eatz in Qualicum Beach, have extended their support by providing sustenance to over 240 firefighting personnel daily. The solidarity displayed towards first responders and evacuees has been overwhelming, surpassing the capacity of support facilities to accommodate donations.
While evacuation orders remain in effect for hundreds of residences, efforts are underway to assess the situation and facilitate the safe return of affected individuals to their homes. Esther Verheyen, who returned to her family-owned Cameron Lake Resort post-evacuation, expressed immense relief at the preservation of their property and the sense of community that has weathered the crisis together.
For Mack and her family, currently camped at Snow Creek in their trailer, the road to recovery might be protracted. Despite the uncertainties, Mack remains appreciative of the relentless efforts of the firefighting teams and acknowledges that it may take time before their neighborhood is deemed safe for reentry, stating, “We’re prepared for the long haul.”
Nick Acciavati, chief of the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department, emphasized the ongoing nature of the firefighting operation, stressing the commitment of the teams to contain the wildfire utilizing aerial support and heavy equipment, underscoring the collective determination within the community to overcome the challenges ahead.