As wildfires rage across British Columbia, ranchers like Will Unruh are facing tough decisions to safeguard their livestock amid a growing crisis. The Pear Lake wildfire, which has consumed an estimated 900 square kilometres, has forced the evacuation of over 1,800 properties in the southern Cariboo region, putting both animals and communities at risk.
A Rancher’s Dilemma
Unruh, who manages 13 bison at his 777 Ranch near Green Lake, noted that the ongoing smoke has unsettled his animals. “They know something’s not right. They’re hanging out right in this little corral, right close to where I am all the time,” he said during a phone conversation. The evacuation order issued on Friday highlighted the urgency of the situation, prompting Unruh to contemplate the best way to evacuate his bison and other livestock.
Earlier this week, Unruh received unexpected support from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, which offered a team to assist in relocating his cattle and horses to safer ground. “I was just so blown away that it was their own initiative that they did it,” he remarked, praising the effort as “quite impressive.” The team successfully transported his horses and cattle to Kamloops, but moving bison remains a challenge due to their wild nature and sensitivity to confinement.
Evacuation Preparations Intensify
With the threat of the fire looming closer, Unruh is weighing his options. He had his ranch evaluated by a retired forestry engineer, who suggested potential refuges on the property should the fire advance. In a worst-case scenario, the bison could be released onto Crown land if evacuation became necessary. However, the shifting winds pose an increasing danger, with gusts expected to reach up to 45 km/h, jeopardising the safety of his ranch.
The impending cold front, bringing strong winds and thunderstorms with little rain, heightens the risk for areas already suffering from drought. Unruh is in touch with a bison ranch in Quesnel, which has extended an offer of help. He plans to assess the situation further this weekend and will make a decision on whether to load the bison onto a truck. “Life is more important than any buildings,” he emphasised, underscoring the responsibilities that come with being a rancher.
Widespread Evacuations in the Region
The situation is dire across the region, with multiple evacuation orders issued by local authorities. The Thompson-Nicola and Cariboo regional districts have declared evacuation orders for over 1,800 properties, spanning an area more than 70 kilometres long and 65 kilometres wide. The Spuzzum First Nation also issued a recent evacuation order for reserve lands due to the Brunswick Creek fire, while the Fraser Valley Regional District extended its evacuation orders to dozens of properties in the Alexandra Bridge to Sawmill Creek area.
Additionally, the T’it’q’et First Nation near Lillooet has placed its communities under evacuation due to the advancing Riley Creek wildfire. As of Saturday morning, British Columbia is grappling with nearly 110 active wildfires, with 48 classified as out of control.
Why it Matters
The ongoing wildfires in British Columbia pose a significant threat not only to livestock and ranchers but also to entire communities. The situation highlights the interconnectedness of local ecosystems and human livelihoods, as ranchers like Unruh work tirelessly to protect their animals while facing the imminent danger of advancing flames. The collective response from local authorities and communities is crucial in mitigating the impact of these wildfires, underscoring the need for collaboration and preparedness in the face of climate-induced challenges.
