Township of Spallumcheen - A message of Gratitude from the Chief Administrative Officer.
The events surrounding the Bradley Creek Fire over the BC Day long weekend will be remembered as one of the most challenging emergencies our community has faced. While the fire spread with unprecedented speed, it also revealed something equally powerful—the strength, resilience, and compassion of our community.
On behalf of the Township of Spallumcheen, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported our community throughout this emergency. While the fire still burns to the west of the community and efforts to suppress the fire continue, it’s important that we pause for a moment to thank those working tirelessly to support us.
First and foremost, I want to thank the dedicated members of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department. These men and women left family gatherings, holidays, and long weekend plans without hesitation to answer the call to protect our community. Their professionalism, courage, and commitment saved homes, protected lives, and prevented what could have been far greater losses. Every resident of Spallumcheen should be proud of this remarkable group of volunteers.
I also extend my sincere gratitude to the many agencies that responded alongside our firefighters. The coordinated efforts of BC Wildfire Service, neighbouring fire departments, RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services, Red Cross, Emergency Support Services (ESS), BC Hydro, FortisBC, the Regional District of North Okanagan, provincial ministries, and numerous partner agencies demonstrated the strength of emergency management when organizations work together toward a common goal.
To Township staff, thank you for immediately setting aside your personal plans and returning to assist our community. Throughout the weekend, our employees worked tirelessly in the Emergency Operations Centre, coordinated resources, supported residents, and assisted responding agencies under extremely difficult circumstances. Your dedication reflects the very best of public service.
I would also like to recognize Mayor and Council for their leadership and support throughout the emergency. In particular, thank you to members of Council who volunteered at the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre at Hassen Arena. Your presence, compassion, and willingness to assist residents during a stressful and uncertain time were deeply appreciated by those seeking assistance.
Our thoughts remain with the families and property owners whose homes and properties were lost or damaged. While the fire's most devastating impacts occurred adjacent to the Township, every loss is deeply felt throughout our region. We know that rebuilding takes far longer than extinguishing a fire, and our community stands with those affected.
To the residents who were evacuated, thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation. We recognize the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with leaving your home, often with only a few moments to gather your family, pets, and essential belongings. Many residents found refuge at the Fairgrounds, with family and friends, or in neighbouring communities. During one of the busiest tourism weekends of the year, accommodation options were extremely limited. Some people spent the night in their vehicles while others searched for available lodging wherever they could find it. We understand how difficult those circumstances were.
The Emergency Support Services Reception Centre welcomed more than 250 evacuees. Volunteers and staff worked tirelessly under significant pressure to register residents, provide support, and connect people with available resources. Lines were long, wait times were unavoidable, and demand exceeded normal capacity. Throughout it all, residents demonstrated remarkable patience and kindness toward one another, and for that we are sincerely grateful.
Neighbouring municipalities, organizations, businesses, and volunteers also stepped forward to offer facilities, equipment, accommodation, food, and countless acts of kindness. These gestures remind us that during times of crisis, communities throughout the North Okanagan come together to support one another without hesitation.
One of the most difficult responsibilities during the emergency was determining when residents could safely return to their homes. We understood the urgency everyone felt to get back to check on loved ones, livestock, homes, and property. Working closely with BC Wildfire Service and our fire departments, the Emergency Operations Centre made returning residents home as quickly as conditions safely allowed. We continue to assess our Evacuation Order area and are working to get those residents home as soon as it is safe to do so. We do not take it lightly when we ask you to leave your home behind and ensuring that you can return safely is one of our highest priorities.
Wildfire scenes present many hidden dangers that are not always visible. Downed power poles and energized electrical lines, damaged gas services, unstable and fire-damaged trees, compromised roadways, ruptured water services, debris on the roadways, and hazardous materials all create significant risks. During the response, firefighters also identified a shipping container that had become dangerously pressurized due to the heat and materials stored inside, creating a serious explosion hazard.
There are also risks that many people may never consider. For example, while BC Hydro may have disconnected electrical service to an area, privately operated generators can unintentionally feed electricity back into damaged power lines, creating life-threatening hazards for first responders and utility workers. Smoke exposure and unstable structures also present ongoing risks that require specialized training and protective equipment before workers can safely enter evacuation areas.
We appreciate your patience as these hazards were assessed and mitigated. Every decision regarding evacuation orders and re-entry was made with one priority in mind—protecting the safety of residents, emergency responders, and utility crews.
Throughout the weekend, many residents also notified the Emergency Support Services Centre of neighbours who might require additional assistance evacuating. This information was invaluable and demonstrated the compassion that defines Spallumcheen. Looking out for one another is one of our community's greatest strengths.
Finally, I want to thank the countless individuals who reached out asking how they could help. The offers to volunteer, donate supplies, assist evacuees, care for animals, provide equipment, and support emergency responders were both generous and deeply appreciated. While not every offer could be accepted immediately, please know that your willingness to help means a great deal. As recovery efforts continue, there will be opportunities where your support will make a meaningful difference.
The Bradley Creek Wildfire reminded us that emergencies can occur quickly and without warning. It also reminded us that the character of a community is measured not only by the challenges it faces, but by how its people respond.
Spallumcheen is a special place. It is a community built on neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers serving selflessly, and people coming together when they are needed most.
Thank you for your resilience, your patience, your compassion, and your unwavering support of one another. While this wildfire is ongoing, together, we will continue to respond, recover, rebuild, and move forward as a stronger community.
Doug Allin Chief Administrative Officer Township of Spallumcheen