Penticton search and rescue members helped others evacuate as their homes burned

Members of Penticton Search and Rescue demonstrated profound dedication during the Bald Range wildfire, continuing their duties to help evacuate residents even as they faced the loss of their own homes. The massive wildfire forced many of these volunteers and their families to evacuate from Summerland and Faulder.

"Our members were out knocking on doors and helping people evacuate while many were facing evacuation from their own homes," said Jesse MacDonald, public affairs officer for Penticton Search and Rescue. "That speaks to the commitment of our volunteers and their dedication to keeping our community safe."

Alongside RCMP officers and the BC Wildfire Service, Penticton Search and Rescue members worked tirelessly. Their helicopter unit also supported efforts to locate individuals reported missing during the evacuation. This challenging response saw 68 volunteers from Penticton and surrounding areas like Princeton, Central Okanagan, Oliver, Osoyoos, Rossland, and Grand Forks contribute their time.

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Our members were out knocking on doors and helping people evacuate while many were facing evacuation from their own homes. That speaks to the commitment of our volunteers and their dedication to keeping our community safe.

Norman Cole, president of Penticton Search and Rescue, noted the incident strengthened bonds between teams. "Working side by side through a very difficult response strengthened relationships with our neighbouring teams that will carry well beyond this incident," he stated. In total, these unpaid volunteers logged nearly 4,000 hours of service during the evacuation efforts.

The Bald Range fire continues to burn, having expanded to over 19,000 hectares. While rapid damage assessments are underway, the area remains an active fire zone. Thousands of residents, including 12,000 from Summerland, are displaced and await a timeline for their return.

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This was one of those events that brought our SAR teams closer together. Working side by side through a very difficult response strengthened relationships with our neighbouring teams that will carry well beyond this incident.