July and August 2024 saw the Calcite Creek wildfire sweep through British Columbia. It has left a devastating mark on the Okanagan Valley and nearby communities.
This and other wildfires are more than just a natural disaster; they are a direct threat to their homes and businesses. They’re a threat to their way of life. The growing frequency and intensity of these fires have forced British Columbian residents and business owners to reconsider their strategies for protecting their properties and livelihoods.
In this blog, we want to quickly outline why wildfires occur in BC and then focus on their broader implications for Canadian and indigenous communities.
We want to highlight:
- The disastrous economic and property damage
- How to prepare for these emergencies
- Community recovery initiatives
Let’s explore.
How Wildfires Occur in British Columbia
The summer months in British Columbia are particularly vulnerable because of the hot and dry conditions – an ideal environment for fires to ignite and spread. Lightning strikes often provide the spark for fires to spread, but sometimes, humans also play a role through things like discarded cigarettes.
Once a fire starts, it can spread rapidly, especially in areas with plenty of dry vegetation. The pine forests of British Columbia spring to mind as the perfect environment for fires to spread. Highly flammable pine needles often litter the forest floor, providing the perfect fuel source.
Embers from the fire travel on the wind, too, igniting new fires even miles away from the original blaze. This ability of embers to catch in dry pine needles and spread quickly is one of the reasons why Canadian summers, particularly in British Columbia, see so many wildfires.
Overview of the Calcite Creek Wildfire
The Calcite Creek wildfire started in mid-July 2024, just south of Princeton. It quickly grew to encompass over 6,829 hectares.
This wildfire posed a significant challenge to firefighters because the area is so hilly. The terrain was so challenging that firefighters had to rely heavily on aircraft to fight the fire. Evacuation alerts and orders were issued for several nearby communities, underscoring the severity of the threat.
The fire was first reported on July 18th. It spread from just over 900 hectares on July 24th to over 5,000 hectares by August 6th and continued to expand from there. This alarming rate of expansion in the space of under two weeks reflects the challenge presented to the BC wildfire service.
The fire’s intensity was such that it created its own weather patterns, complicating efforts to predict its movements and protect vulnerable areas. This unpredictability underscored the need for better preparedness and fire defence measures.
It wasn’t until August 20th that the wildfire was no longer classified as a ‘wildfire of note’; a month of harrowing disruption for these communities.
Economic Impact on Canadian Communities
Over and above the natural fear associated with the prospect of raging, out-of-control wildfires, there are tangible economic consequences for local people.
The Okanagan Valley has faced severe disruptions, with businesses like its famous wineries and vineyards losing valuable revenue during the peak tourist season.
Small businesses in the area have also struggled with the direct impact of the wildfire. They’ve faced the twofold issue of damage to property alongside a decline in customer traffic due to poor air quality and evacuation orders.
Only just recovering from pandemic-related challenges, these small businesses face ongoing uncertainty as these wildfires only compound the issues.
From a visitor’s perspective, hesitancy is a natural response. You might think twice about vacationing in a place at risk of wildland fire, and who wants to subject their family to wildfire smoke?
Other issues exacerbate the problem for business owners. Insurance claims have skyrocketed. The rebuilding process is often lengthy and expensive. These factors further strain the local economy.
The takeaways here? It’s crucial for businesses in wildfire-prone areas to review their insurance policies. Owners need to ensure they are adequately covered for such disasters (since they are increasingly common). It’s also vital that businesses find other active solutions to guard against these wildfires. If protections aren’t in place, there’s a risk that tourists will not feel confident enough to visit.
Property Damage and Risk Mitigation for Homeowners and Property Owners
The sight of homes reduced to ashes is an unpleasant reminder of the alarming power of wildfires. For homeowners, the devastation is not just financial but deeply emotional. They face home insecurity and homelessness alongside the loss of cherished memories associated with the family home.
But what realistic measures can homeowners take? We know Canadians don’t want to stand idly by while wildfires destroy their family homes. The good news is you can be proactive.
Creating defensible space around properties is one of the most effective ways to protect against wildfires. This involves clearing flammable vegetation and other combustibles that can serve as fuel for the fire.
You can also use fire-resistant materials in your home to provide a layer of protection:
- Roofs
- Roof tiles
- Decks
- siding
SPIEDR’s fire protection systems, incuding advanced sprinkler systems and fire pumps, are specifically designed to defend against the intense heat and embers of wildfires.
Case studies have shown that homes equipped with such systems have a higher chance of surviving a wildfire. For example, Fort McMurray properties that had implemented these measures fared better during the 2016 wildfire that ravaged the area.
As devastating as these events are, we need to learn from them to see what we can do to avert future disasters.
Emergency Preparedness for Business Owners
For business owners in wildfire-prone areas, the stakes are high.
A wildfire can destroy property and disrupt operations, leading to significant financial losses. This is why a wildfire response plan is crucial. This plan should include a thorough review of insurance policies to ensure you have the right coverage. You also need a continuity plan to minimize downtime and protect all critical assets of your business.
Overwhelmed? SPIEDR offers consultancy services to help businesses develop and implement these plans. We can offer advice on:
- Emergency procedures
- Securing important documents and equipment
- Investing in fire protection systems
- Training staff
Check out other resources, such as the BC Wildfire Service and Natural Resources Canada, which provide valuable information on wildfire risks and preparedness.
A Note on Indigenous Communities
Indigenous communities are often more vulnerable to wildfires due to their close ties to the land and reliance on natural resources.
These communities have historically been stewards of the land, and climate change has disrupted traditional practices.
Wildfires can destroy cultural sites and force evacuations, leading to long-term displacement from indigenous lands. Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity and changes in the landscape due to wildfires and other climate impacts can threaten traditional knowledge.
In many cases, Indigenous communities are also at the forefront of climate action, using traditional ecological knowledge to develop more effective fire management and climate adaptation strategies.
Community Response and Long-term Recovery
The aftermath of a wildfire is a time of uncertainty for communities. Yet, the Calcite Creek wildfire has also brought the community together in remarkable ways.
Local agencies have mobilized resources to support recovery efforts. This includes:
- Financial aid for rebuilding
- Mental health services for those affected by the trauma of the fire
- Programs aimed at restoring the local economy.
The organization, Mamas for Mamas, has a whole branch in Kelowna dedicated to fire support. Several church groups, including the Kelowna Gospel Mission, have organized to provide support for evacuees. Meanwhile, the Central Okanagan Food Bank has initiated a drive to provide much-needed help to anybody facing food shortages as a consequence of the fires.
Local businesses have also stepped up with donations. Valley First, a banking and investment service in Okanagan, donated $35,000 to fund various efforts.
For business owners and homeowners, accessing these resources is critical to rebuilding their lives.
SPIEDR is committed to supporting these efforts by providing the tools and expertise needed to enhance fire protection and prevent future disasters.
Summing Up
The impact of the Calcite Creek wildfire on Canadian communities is a sobering reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change.
As frequent wildfires become more intense, the need for proactive measures to protect homes and businesses is more urgent than ever. Even a casual read of Canada’s changing climate report will outline this reality for you.
By investing in fire protection systems, creating defensible spaces, and developing comprehensive emergency plans, British Columbians can better protect their communities against the devastation of wildfires.
SPIEDR is here to help. With our advanced fire protection systems and expert consultancy services, we can provide some peace of mind to those worried about the next wildfire. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action today to protect your home, your business, and your community.
