Supporting the Wildfire Response in BC

The current wildfire season in BC is the worst ever documented in Canadian history. The fires in the Okanagan, Shuswap and the surrounding areas have forced more than 35,000 residents to evacuate their homes and have caused mass devastation to wildlife populations and natural habitats. 

The disproportionate impact of the climate crisis in BC 

Extreme weather events like wildfires have become annual reminders of the climate crisis. Communities in rural and remote areas are disproportionately affected due to their location as they have less access to emergency services. There is a particularly devastating impact on land-based First Nations and Indigenous communities, who depend on the land for hunting and trapping food sources, preserving cultural heritage, and protecting their inherent rights. 

How to provide urgent support 

The urgency to address these crises is more critical than ever. Wildfire response efforts require a united front, making it our collective responsibility to extend a helping hand to those affected. Here are places you can give to that will not only support the immediate needs of evacuees now but will help communities recover and rebuild later.  

Rebuild and restore Indigenous communities 

The First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) is a beacon of support for Indigenous communities: a lifeline before, during, and after disasters like wildfires. 

The organization supports more than 200 Indigenous communities, which typically receive less assistance than towns and cities during an emergency. As of August 21, nine First Nations stand under evacuation orders, while another dozen must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Based in Kamloops, the work of FNESS extends beyond immediate response to rebuilding homes, revitalizing communities, and fortifying their readiness for the future.  

Bolster local community foundations 

Community foundations are uniquely attuned to the pressing needs of their own communities. Firefighters still face a tough battle ahead in Shuswap, while the Okanagan is surveying the damage done. 

Looking after these two regions are the Shuswap Community Foundation and the Central Okanagan Foundation. These organizations are created by and for community members. This means by bolstering the community foundations serving areas affected by wildfire, you’re placing the power of rebuilding in the hands of those who understand the challenges and opportunities. 

Interested in supporting BC’s community foundations’ response to the wildfires? 

Let’s stand together, extending compassion and generosity to those who need it most. By giving to wildfire response efforts, your generosity showcases the strength of unity in times of crisis and demonstrates that caring individuals can create lasting change.