‘It’s taken a lot of heaviness off their hearts’: Community steps up to help wildfire evacuees

An evacuation order remains in place for the fire in Boston Bar, with donations pouring in for residents who had to flee.

An evacuation order remains in place for a second day in Boston Bar because of an out-of-control wildfire.

Helicopters could be seen in the smoky skies from that community Friday, battling the Brunswick Complex fire.

But evacuees like Cheyenne Campbell are grateful to be safe.

“It’s still scary. It’s scary not being there and not knowing, but it’s also kind of nice not to have to think about it for a minute and not be reminded every time you look outside,” she said from outside the evacuation centre in Chilliwack.

Also at the centre was Boston Bar evacuee Kyle Wood.

“When I was leaving, half the hill was … candling,” he said.

A video his son took earlier this week shows massive flames burning the mountainside.

He said wildfires have become far too frequent.

“It’s just another season, I guess. Fifth season of the year. But, it’s just something you’ve got to deal with,” he said.

Evacuees have been getting help at the evacuation centre in Chilliwack, where the community has also stepped up with donations.

“Last week, I put out a call for donations,” said Tyrell Williams, emergency response director for Shxwha:y Village.

“The City of Chilliwack residents and all of our Indigenous communities have graciously come together and brought donations to help take care of the evacuees.”

Pauline Henry, a former Lytton resident who lost her home in the devastating wildfire there five years ago, was happy to step in and help evacuees when the opportunity presented itself.

She said an organization she was supposed to cater an event for had to postpone because of the wildfires.

“People couldn’t get through the highway, etc. So they said the money that I was given to buy the food for the catering event, we used that money to buy food and whatever necessities for the evacuees,” Henry explained.

So far, 55 families have registered at the evacuation centre. Williams said the centre has become a pop-up friendship centre for evacuees.

“It’s taken a lot of heaviness off their hearts being able to come,” she said, adding that the primary focus at the centre is to provide cultural support.

Earlier this week, the Fraser Valley Regional District said that the Brunswick Complex Fire had destroyed seven buildings, including four residential structures or seasonal cabins within the Ainsley Creek area.