A total of 547 homes had to be evacuated in the community of Olalla, British Columbia, due to a now “uncontrollable” wildfire, CTV News reported.
The fire, whose origin is unknown, continues to spread over 5903 hectares, affecting residents of Olalla parish, a municipality north of Keremeos.
Sandy Diaz, a resident of the area, was evacuated Friday and thought she would be home by evening. However, she had to spend the night outside, leaving her husband, who has dementia, at home alone. “I’m waiting here for my driver’s license. Introduce? Permission to go home!” wailed the woman, tired of waiting. She decided to return to her residence without a permit, with special permission to take care of her husband. She remains concerned, however, and she’s not the only one.
Kudrat Mundi owns a small fruit stand in the area. For them, it’s the closure of Highway 3A that’s hurting their business.
“It’s worrying. Business has slowed down dramatically. In fact, it’s scary how quiet it is these days. We’re going to lose a lot of fruit if we can’t keep selling it,” the trader said.
It also states those of its 18 employees, all of whom are ready to evacuate if given the order.
Firefighters at work
According to BC Wildfire, 426 firefighters are fighting tirelessly to contain the massive blaze, supported by 15 helicopters and 42 heavy equipment.
“Crews are working hard, but it’s difficult to get crews and machinery in,” BC Wildfire Service official Taylor Shantz said, adding that the wind was not picking up to fan the flames.
Since the beginning of the year, 544 wildfires have been observed in British Columbia, of which 57 are still active. Remember that a major fire is still raging near Lytton, a year after the town was destroyed by flames.