As the relentless Pear Lake wildfire rages through British Columbia’s Cariboo region, ranchers and their livestock face mounting challenges. With evacuation orders now affecting over 1,800 properties, local ranchers are grappling with the urgent need to protect their animals amidst the chaos of encroaching flames. Will Unruh, a rancher residing near Green Lake, is among those affected, observing his herd of bison growing increasingly agitated as smoke fills the air.
Bison Under Pressure
Unruh, who manages 13 bison on his 777 Ranch, noted that the animals sensed the imminent danger. “They know something’s not right. They’re hanging out right in this little corral, right close to where I am all the time, and that’s because they’re like people, they’re nervous,” he explained during a phone call on Saturday.
Following the issuance of an evacuation order on Friday, Unruh was determined to safeguard his herd. Earlier in the week, he received unexpected support from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, which offered assistance in relocating his cattle and horses to safety. “I was blown away,” he admitted. “Usually people talk badly about government, but it was their own initiative that they did it. It’s quite impressive. I’m very impressed.”
Evacuations and Community Support
On Thursday, a team arrived to assist Unruh, efficiently loading his five horses and 30 cattle onto trucks bound for Kamloops. However, bison are more challenging to transport, as their wild instincts make them prone to panic in confined spaces. Unruh had previously consulted with a retired forestry engineer regarding his property’s safety, identifying potential refuge areas for the animals should the fire spread further.
As the winds picked up on Saturday, the threat level escalated. Fire officials warned that a cold front bringing strong winds and thunderstorms, with minimal rain, could exacerbate the already dry conditions, posing greater risks to affected areas. Unruh received an offer of assistance from a bison ranch in Quesnel, and he is weighing his options for evacuation this weekend, prioritising the safety of his animals over material possessions.
“As a rancher, it’s a responsibility. You can’t leave your livestock there to be burned. I mean, that’s what you take on as a rancher. You raise them from a calf on, and you take care of them,” he emphasised.
The Expanding Crisis
The Pear Lake wildfire, which has grown to an alarming 900 square kilometres, is just one of nearly 110 active wildfires in British Columbia, with 48 of those classified as out of control. On Saturday morning, the B.C. Wildfire Service reported that winds could gust up to 45 km/h, exacerbating the fire’s behaviour as the cold front passed through the area.
In addition to Unruh’s situation, the Spuzzum First Nation has also issued evacuation orders for its reserve lands due to the Brunswick Creek fire, while the Fraser Valley Regional District has ordered evacuations in the Alexandra Bridge to Sawmill Creek area. The T’it’q’et First Nation, near Lillooet, issued its own evacuation order covering several Indian reserves due to the Riley Creek wildfire.
A Broader Impact
The threat of wildfires in British Columbia extends beyond the immediate danger to human life and property; it poses significant risks to the region’s wildlife and ecosystems. The interactions between ranchers and their animals during these crises highlight the complex relationship between agriculture and nature. The experiences of individuals like Will Unruh underscore the deep-rooted ties ranchers have to their land and livestock, and the lengths they are willing to go to protect them.
Why it Matters
The ongoing wildfires in British Columbia serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of both rural communities and natural environments in the face of climate change. As drought conditions and extreme weather events become increasingly common, the resilience of local ranchers and their commitment to animal welfare illustrates a profound connection to the land that transcends mere economic considerations. The stories emerging from this crisis not only reflect the immediate dangers posed by wildfires but also resonate with broader themes of community, stewardship, and the struggle for survival in a changing climate.
