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A family walks past a newly changed ‘Summerland Strong’ sign in Penticton, B.C., on Aug.9, where many evacuees have taken shelter amid ongoing wildfires.Paige Taylor White/Reuters
The calls began early Saturday morning, as members of the Penticton Sikh Temple awoke to news that the entire District of Summerland, B.C., had been evacuated because of a ferocious wildfire. Thousands of people were now streaming into Penticton and West Kelowna, many with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Ravinder Bains phoned Jarnail Gill.
“What’s our plan?” Mr. Bains asked. “Can we do something?”
“We have to,” Mr. Gill replied.
Mr. Gill, an organizer at the gurdwara, put out calls for donations on social media and on a Punjabi-language radio station. He created a group chat with farmers, orchardists and other food suppliers throughout the region, asking for whatever food they could spare.
Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, watermelon, apples, peaches, nectarines – produce in any amounts welcome, he wrote in the group chat. Cash donations by e-transfer would be used to purchase essentials.
“Together, it is possible,” he said.
He connected with JCI Penticton, a non-profit that teaches young adults leadership skills, to co-ordinate meal preparation and discuss food safety.
The first meals were handed out by lunchtime.
As B.C. declared a provincewide state of emergency and wildland firefighters attacked the fast-moving blaze, another army mobilized in parallel. Farmers, small-business owners, community groups and other volunteers began gathering food, preparing meals, raising money and delivering supplies to those forced from their homes by fire.
Mr. Gill estimates that volunteers distributed 500 to 600 meals during the first lunch service, a figure that ballooned to about 2,000 per lunch and dinner service in following days.
Premier David Eby, who toured the site on Wednesday, offered his “heartfelt thanks” to the gurdwara for supporting evacuees with food and essential supplies.
“British Columbians come together when neighbours need help,” he said in a social media post after his visit.
Okanagan fires offer a glimpse of a worsening wildfire crisis
The gurdwara’s Facebook page, which has posted updates throughout the week, has been flooded with comments thanking members for their kindness.
Mr. Gill shrugged off the widespread praise his group has received, saying the effort is foundational to his faith.
“This is a concept of the Sikh religion: organize yourself and then help others,” he said. “This is the way life should be.”
Bobby Brar, owner of River Ridge Farms in Oliver and Mr. Gill’s brother-in-law, was among those in the group chat. From Oliver, he co-ordinated monetary donations and boxes of produce from local farmers that others delivered to Penticton daily.
He, too, downplayed his contribution, saying he takes pride in his community.
“I don’t mean just my Sikh community – the whole community. It doesn’t matter what colour or race,” he said. “We are a community, so everybody was standing up for each other. And that was pretty satisfying.”
Donations by community members have also allowed the gurdwara to stock up on personal hygiene items, diapers and pet food, along with snack items and dry goods for evacuees to take. Those in need who can’t make it to the gurdwara can phone to arrange delivery.
Many other organizations in Penticton have also rallied. The Salvation Army is providing evacuees with meals, blankets and other supports. Match Eatery and Public House, a neighbourhood pub and casino, has converted its buffet space to a relief area for evacuees from morning until midnight, offering movies, board games, charging stations and wireless internet. Food is served three times a day, with help from community donations.
In addition, other organizations and people throughout Okanagan Valley have also contributed.
Favourable forecast to help firefighting efforts, but Bald Range fire still out of control, officials say
The BC Wildfire Service has maintained 24-hour coverage on the fire, called the Bald Range wildfire, since it was discovered last Friday afternoon. It remains out of control.
On Thursday, 225 firefighting personnel were on site, with 14 helicopters and 32 pieces of heavy equipment. Another 154 personnel were working to protect homes and other buildings.
Summerland, population 12,000, remains under an evacuation order. Thousands of others in surrounding communities are also still displaced from their homes.
Meanwhile, another blaze in the Okanagan is now considered held.
Central Okanagan Emergency Management said the Quilpituk Creek fire that triggered evacuations earlier this month between Vernon and Kelowna is expected to remain within its current boundary.
The emergency operations centre said it’s assessing tree danger and hydro lines in the area to determine when residents can return home.
The highway that runs through the wildfire evacuation zone in Summerland has reopened on a limited basis.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen said that Highway 97 would be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no stopping or exiting except for those with temporary access passes.
With a report from The Canadian Press