Chief calls for co-operation to prevent fires as world changes at a ‘rapid pace’

Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel has called for increased cooperation to prevent wildfires as the world changes rapidly. The wildfire that displaced thousands of people in the Okanagan isn't a natural occurrence, he asserts, and more action is required to address the issue. The chief suggests examining logging practices and tackling drought conditions as potential solutions.

Gabriel has urged the province to devise an alternative emergency route out of affected communities, as Highway 97 has been blocked by the blaze. B.C. Premier David Eby acknowledged the urgent need for secondary egress roads and stated that the Transportation Ministry will assess which routes to prioritize. Around 20,000 residents were evacuated from their homes in Summerland and surrounding areas when the Bald Range fire erupted in a matter of hours.

The fire's containment remains uncertain due to its uncontrolled spread and an upcoming lightning storm with unpredictable winds.