BURSTMore than three weeks on, the Bradley Creek wildfire emergency is fading out.
But while significant progress has been made on returning evacuees home, not all are able to do so just yet.
A total of 248 homes remain on evacuation order within the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), the band told The Morning Star Wednesday, Aug. 26.
“While evacuation orders have been lifted for areas of IR 1, the impacts of this wildfire remain significant. The remaining order reflects the areas and properties most severely affected by the fire,” said Josh Winquist, the band’s communications manager.
Eventually, everyone will be able to return to their homes. Some will return to find their home largely as they left it. Others will be left to sift through the ashes.
The Bradley Creek wildfire is under control at 2,658 hectares. It forced rapid evacuations on the night of Aug. 1 and wound up destroying an estimated 230 homes, according to OKIB Chief Dan Wilson.
The OKIB, Township of Spallumcheen and Regional District of North Okanagan have since rescinded most evacuation orders and alerts around the blaze. The full list of evacuation orders, and order rescinds, can be found on okib.ca.
Efforts to restore the area are continuing. TELUS crews are working with BC Hydro and other partners to replace damaged infrastructure along Westside Road and restore telecommunications services. TELUS expects this work to continue for up to one month, although efforts are underway to complete the work sooner.
The OKIB has created a re-entry guide for when folks return to their homes, which may be impacted by smoke, soot and ash, chemicals, and structural or water damage. The guide suggests a list of supplies to bring when going back to inspect one’s property, at which time it’s important to use caution before going inside.
“Walk carefully around the outside of the house. Carefully check for signs of damage or danger,” the guide says before listing some danger signs.
The guide also says rapid damage assessments have been conducted on evacuees’ homes. A green placard indicates a home has been inspected and no apparent structural or safety hazard was observed that would restrict use or occupancy. A yellow placard indicates a damaged home and restricted use. A red placard means the structure has been found to be severely damaged and is unsafe to occupy.
Before starting cleanup activities, residents are advised to call their insurance representative or company.
“Most insurers have a 24-hour claims service. Be as detailed as possible when providing information,” the guide states.
Psychological care
The OKIB included a section in its guide on taking care of one’s mental health, complete with suggestions as well as a list of mental health resources.
Fear and anxiety are natural reactions to stressful events and can stir up past traumas, the document reads. To help yourself and your loved ones:
• Accept offers of help. Seek counselling or spiritual guidance
• Focus on positive memories and the skills you’ve used to get through other hard times
• Give yourself and your loved one’s permission to grieve
• Practice cultural or spiritual customs that bring you comfort
Some will need more time than others to heal. Watch for warning signs of extended anxiety and contact a medical professional or trusted community leader if they last more than two to four weeks:
• Trouble with eating and sleeping
• Feeling depressed or hopeless; showing low energy or crying often
• Being anxious and fearful
• Trouble focusing on daily activities
• Recurring thoughts or nightmares
• Avoiding activities or places that are reminders of the event