Emergency Disaster Services Teams Respond to Multiple Wildfires in British Columbia
The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team have been active throughout the summer, responding to several wildfires across British Columbia, providing food, resources and spiritual care to affected communities.
This year, EDS teams have been deployed to Peachland, Kelowna, Abbotsford and most recently, Vancouver Island. EDS staff and volunteers have been working hard to support evacuees and first responders throughout this challenging wildfire season.
The Salvation Army is currently responding to two major wildfires on Vancouver Island: one at Wesley Ridge in the Regional District of Nanaimo and another at Mount Underwood near Port Alberni.
The Wesley Ridge wildfire has expanded to nearly 600 hectares, forcing many residents to evacuate their homes with uncertainty about their return. EDS teams have been on-site since the early days of the evacuation, serving more than 1,400 meals to evacuees. As the fire’s immediate threat diminishes, The Salvation Army is focusing on recovery support. This includes providing clothing, incidentals, food and clean-up kits to help those affected begin rebuilding their lives.
The Mount Underwood fire continues to spread quickly, covering more than 3,600 hectares. The emergency has triggered evacuation orders of nearby towns and First Nation communities. The Salvation Army is providing essential supplies to isolated communities that have been without power for over a week.
As a precaution, the city of Port Alberni, the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD), and the Tseshaht First Nation have declared local states of emergency. Combined, these communities are home to more than 19,000 residents.
For EDS teams, the objective is clear: to provide immediate assistance. This could be in the form of offering a warm meal or simply conversing with evacuees, listening to their experiences and offering emotional and spiritual support.
The work of The Salvation Army goes beyond physical assistance. It also aims to restore hope to the victims.
While the wildfires continue to burn, The Salvation Army will continue to provide short and long-term recovery support. The experiences gained from previous wildfire seasons have prepared EDS teams to handle the challenges and ensure that no one faces disasters alone.
By Juan Romero
