- Okanagan Falls is hosting a camp of around 300 firefighters with the BC Wildfire Service in Keogan Sports Park for crews battling the Bald Range wildfire in Summerland.
- 100 international firefighters from Mexico arrived two days ago and were on the fire yesterday, continuing for the rest of their deployment.
- Crews working night shifts are residing within the district at the Unisus Private School and the Summerland Arena, according to fire information officer Erin Catherall.
- The camp is fully independent, with trailers providing catering staff who supply meals throughout the day and lunches for crews to take out on the line.
- Firefighters are thankful for the generosity and kindness shown by local residents.
- Despite being well equipped, crews appreciate the community's kindness and encourage waves or honks for fire crews, valuing the welcoming community spirit.
Okanagan Falls has become a critical hub for firefighting efforts against the Bald Range wildfire in Summerland, hosting around 300 firefighters at Keogan Sports Park. This includes 100 firefighters from Mexico, who joined the battle just two days ago.1
According to Erin Catherall, a fire information officer, the camp is fully independent, equipped with trailers and catering staff providing meals for the crews. She noted, "The camp that we have set up is fully independent, so we have trailers in there where we'll have catering staff that's going to be providing meals for crews throughout the day and lunches for them to take out on the line."34
Firefighters are also residing at local facilities, including Unisus Private School and the Summerland Arena, as they work tirelessly to combat the flames. Catherall emphasized the importance of communication, stating, "Every day we have multiple meetings that get information out to crews." She added that weather conditions play a crucial role in operational decisions.
The community's support has been invaluable, with Catherall expressing gratitude for the kindness shown by local residents. She remarked, "We're well equipped, but we do really, really appreciate all the kindness that community members have shown. It's been very touching." Fire crews are encouraged to engage with the community, as simple gestures like a wave or honk can boost morale during these challenging times.
“The camp is fully independent, with catering trailers providing meals throughout the day and lunches for crews on the line. Night-shift crews are housed at Unisus Private School and Summerland Arena, and firefighters have thanked residents for their generosity and kindness.”
