Some wildfire evacuees tired of having to re-register every three days

Jul 13, 2017 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Frustration is growing in Kamloops where wildfire evacuees, who had already registered at evacuation centres, are finding they have to re-register every three days. . 

While evacuees in the Southern Interior and Cariboo have been out for nearly a week, some are being forced to come back to Thompson Rivers University every three days to re-register for provincial assistance for food and accomodations.

Line ups have been starting before 7 a.m. most days with some people at the evacuation centre having to re-register multiple times since leaving their homes.

“Oh it’s been about three, four times now,” said Cache Creek resident Fred Brigman. “It’s real frustrating. I’m worrying about my home.”

It’s been a frustrating few days for many, and while everyone appreciates the support and volunteers, they wish the process was a little more seamless. 

“We are living at Thompson Rivers Estate right now. We have to drive in every three days,” said Julia William, who lives at the Bonaparte Indian Band.

Fellow wildfire evacuee Gina Gigliotta noted, “Kamloops is a beautiful city. People are really helpful, but overall it’s been a little stressful because we don’t know anyone in Kamloops, so we have to find accomodations. The hotel we’re staying in we could stay there for three days, but then we spent yesterday trying to find another hotel to go to for the next three days. That’s a little stressful.”

According to the TNRD, 72 hours of relief applies to any emergency, including wildfires, on the first visit. But any subsequent registration by evacuees will be on a case by case basis. 

Rob Dubrovay and his family are from 100 Mile House and will be out of their home for the next six days. 

“Slow, definitely slow, especially in the mornings. It seems that the numbers do go by a lot quicker as the day gets on. It starts off slowly and it takes about two hours for the first 50 to be called, and then another two hours later they’re to 200. So it seems to go faster.”

However, Dubrovay and the family is remaining patient in a difficult circumstance. 

“I miss my home,” he said. “I heard Fort McMurray was almost a month, so I thought if we get in any sooner than that, we’re on the good side.”