Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adel Ahmed

WILDFIRE SEASON 2023

‘I’m pretty sure it’s gone’; Wildfire evacuees in Kamloops uncertain about their homes

Aug 21, 2023 | 12:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — Patty and Ken Gilette are one of hundreds that evacuated their home in the North Shuswap Friday evening (August 18). According to their neighbour, their home in Celista has burned down. They now reside in their trailer.

“We’ve managed to get some pictures and of course important documents,” the couple told CFJC Today. “But the rest is gone. Grabbed some clothes. Thankfully we had the trailer to load up. We brought both of our trucks and the trailer. At least we have that. A lot of people are worse off. They’ve lost everything and all they have is the shirt on their backs.”

While the Gilette’s know their home is gone, other evacuees that made it to McArthur Island say they still don’t know the status of their home.

“I’m just assuming it’s gone…..I’m pretty sure it’s gone. I guess I’ll find out but I don’t even know when I’m gonna find out,” said David Allen, a Lee Creek resident.

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“I don’t know if my house is still there or my shop is still there. My shed might be done but the trees are still standing there right against the shed and the house,” said Scotch Creek resident Charles Fenkhuber.

At one point, the Scotch Creek bridge in the North Shuswap was danger of burning. Richard Townsend, a Danger Tree Specialist attached to the Adams Complex wildfire was one of the first crew members on scene. He was able to keep the fire away from the bridge before receiving support.

“We had a structural unit crew that had been redeployed to our area to help us hold the road because that was the last road that the evacuees were able to get out on,” said Townsend. “They were fast, they got set up and got in there right away. They were holding the fire back into the trees as much as they could. We probably had a good three and a half, four hours of getting people through there.”

Highway 1 between Chase and Sorrento remains closed to the public, only allowing first responders through. Back at McArthur Island, evacuees still trying to figure out what lies ahead.

“We’re just taking it day by day. We don’t know. We would like to go see our property as much as we don’t want to see it but we have to go.” said the Gilette’s.