Why some B.C. farmers stay to fight, despite wildfire evacuation orders

Tom Davison, whose family has owned Davison Orchards for five generations, was initially unsure whether firefighting equipment he invested in for his Vernon, B.C. orchard would ever be needed. However, when a wildfire swept through the area in 2021, the equipment proved crucial in protecting the orchard. Davison and his son-in-law stayed to fight the flames, protecting the property and helping a neighbor, even though his own home was saved and the evacuation order had since lifted.

B.C.'s Ministry of Agriculture reported there were 221 registered agricultural premises under evacuation order due to wildfire activity as of Thursday.

Kaylee Jameson, who owns Sweet Pea Farms near Vernon, also defied an evacuation order to protect over 100 animals on her property, including pigs, ducks, horses, and dogs, from another wildfire that engulfed the area in 2021. Despite trying to evacuate their animals, Jameson and her family were unable to do so when winds picked up, roads closed, and they ran out of time. She emphasized that they wouldn't leave without their animals.

Multiple wildfires are burning in southern British Columbia, including the Bradley Creek fire near Okanagan Lake, where heavy winds pushed flames over drought-parched lands. While officials have stressed that evacuation orders should be taken seriously, Premier David Eby acknowledged the difficult choices farmers face when confronted with an evacuation notice and the distress of their animals.

A provincial program allows at-risk farmers to temporarily move animals to stockyards, feedlots, "buddy farms," and rodeo grounds, though the ministry does not track how many animals have been relocated.

Kevin Boon, general manager of the BC Cattlemen's Association, noted that ranchers and farmers are often more prepared to stay during wildfires because they have built a rapport with the land and understand how fires behave. He pointed out that ranchers can help firefighters by relaying information on fire behavior and accepting a level of risk that others may not. Boon emphasized that while fires are unpredictable, ranchers and farmers can often stay if they pay attention and take appropriate precautions.