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As wildfires ravage British Columbia’s southern Cariboo region, ranchers are grappling with the urgent need to safeguard their livestock amid growing threats from the Pear Lake wildfire. The blaze, now stretching over 900 square kilometres, has prompted evacuation orders affecting more than 1,800 properties, forcing ranch owners like Will Unruh to make difficult decisions to protect their animals and livelihoods.
Wildfire Threats Loom Over Ranchers
Will Unruh, the caretaker of 13 bison at his 777 Ranch by Green Lake, has noticed a shift in his animals’ behaviour as smoke from a nearby wildfire envelops the area. “They sense something is off,” Unruh explained during a phone call, describing how the bison have clustered nervously in a corral close to him, a sign of their instinctive fear in the face of danger.
Unruh’s ranch was placed under an evacuation order on Friday, a part of a broader directive affecting numerous properties in the region. The escalating fire presents a dire situation, and Unruh is left contemplating the best course of action to ensure the safety of his livestock. Earlier this week, he received unexpected assistance from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, who offered a team to help evacuate his 30 cattle and five horses. “I was genuinely surprised. It’s not common to hear praise for government initiatives, but this was a remarkable effort on their part,” he remarked with gratitude.
Coordinating Evacuations and Assessing Risks
On Thursday, the emergency team arrived, facilitating the safe transport of Unruh’s horses and cattle to Kamloops. However, the bison require a more cautious approach due to their tendency to panic in confined spaces. Unruh, with the advice of a retired forestry engineer, has identified potential safe zones on his property should the fire encroach further, and he remains prepared to release the animals onto Crown land if evacuation becomes necessary.
As weather conditions shift, the risk level heightens. What began as a gentle breeze on Saturday escalated into strong gusts, raising concerns about the fire’s trajectory. Fire officials are bracing for a cold front that is expected to sweep through southern B.C. this long weekend, accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, yet little precipitation—conditions that could exacerbate the already precarious situation.
Unruh has also received offers from a bison ranch in Quesnel, located a few hours north, to assist in relocating his animals, a decision he and his team will weigh carefully over the weekend. “If it becomes clear that the bison can be safely moved, I won’t hesitate to evacuate. The safety of life takes precedence over any structures,” he emphasised, reflecting the deep bond ranchers share with their livestock.
Widespread Evacuations and Increasing Fire Activity
The wildfire crisis has led to extensive evacuation orders across the region, with the Thompson-Nicola and Cariboo districts issuing alerts for vast areas stretching over 70 kilometres in length and 65 kilometres in width. As of Saturday morning, nearly 110 active wildfires were reported across B.C., with 48 labelled as out of control.
Concerns are not limited to Unruh’s ranch. The Spuzzum First Nation has recently enacted an evacuation order for its reserve lands due to the Brunswick Creek fire, while dozens of properties in the Fraser Valley Regional District have also been ordered to evacuate. The T’it’q’et First Nation issued a similar order for its reserves in light of the Riley Creek wildfire.
The urgency of the situation is palpable as communities brace for the continued threat of wildfires. With flames raging and the need for swift action paramount, ranchers and residents alike are facing an uncertain future.
Why it Matters
The ongoing wildfire crisis in British Columbia highlights the profound challenges facing ranchers and local communities as they navigate the dual pressures of environmental disaster and personal responsibility. As ranchers like Will Unruh strive to protect their livestock, their stories reveal a deeper narrative of resilience and connection to the land. The impact of these wildfires extends beyond immediate evacuations; it threatens the very fabric of rural life in B.C., raising critical questions about land management, climate change, and the support systems in place for those who call these areas home. As the fires continue to burn, the livelihoods of many hang in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for collective action and support in the face of natural disasters.
