Small B.C. community surrounded by wildfires facing more ER closures

A small British Columbia community is facing mounting anxiety as its emergency room experiences further temporary closures amid a severe wildfire season. The emergency department at 100 Mile District General Hospital is scheduled to be closed for extended periods on Friday and Sunday, forcing residents to seek care in Williams Lake, approximately 95 kilometers away.

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No time is a good time to have an ER closed.

Mayor Maureen Pinkney voiced significant concern over the closures, emphasizing that emergency rooms must operate 24/7. She noted that the summer months typically double the local population due to recreational visitors, increasing demand on services. "No time is a good time to have an ER closed,” Pinkney stated, highlighting the added stress of navigating smoky skies and potential road closures to reach the nearest alternative hospital.

"They’re going from our smoky skies through another fire halfway to Williams Lake through more smoke,” Pinkney explained, detailing the hazardous travel conditions. She pointed out that if the primary route to Williams Lake becomes impassable due to fires, the detour could extend the journey to two hours, further complicating access to critical medical care.

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They’re going from our smoky skies through another fire halfway to Williams Lake through more smoke.

This marks the 36th closure for the ER this year, an increase from 2025. Despite discussions with provincial ministers last November, Pinkney feels the government's response has been insufficient. "It is huge and these road closures and all these fires- it’s one thing if you have one fire,” she said, underscoring the compounded challenges residents face. She advised residents to call 911 even if they can transport themselves, noting the presence of extra paramedics during ER closures.

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It is huge and these road closures and all these fires- it’s one thing if you have one fire.