B.C.’s youngest wildfire evacuees begin processing the return home

As the youngest of the nearly 20,000 wildfire evacuees returning to the Summerland area in B.C., parents, schools, and community members are working together to help these children process their traumatic experiences. Erin Trainer, a mother of four who evacuated with her family, recounted how her four-year old daughter, Willow, expressed her fear through art.

After returning home, Willow asked for orange paint, which she used to create large swaths of orange on a stick figure, along with the word "no." Trainer noted that while the painting surprised her, it was a healthy expression of her daughter's feelings, and she was proud of Willow's response. Experts agree that children often process their emotions through play and drawing, so Willow's reaction is not unusual.

Early childhood education instructor Negar Khodarahmi from the University of British Columbia explained that children often feel the impact of a wildfire on their sense of safety even after returning home, as their home and community are their primary safe spaces. Parents should be open and honest with their children about their experiences, while also highlighting positive aspects like hope, gratitude, and preparedness for future emergencies.

Trainer emphasized the importance of explaining the situation clearly to her children and giving them a sense of control by assigning them tasks during the evacuation. The local community has set up a recovery center to provide support and familiar amenities for children, such as playgrounds, parks, and beaches, as well as games and arts and crafts supplies.

School officials are also preparing to address the mental health needs of students upon their return on September 8 by bringing in additional counseling resources and exploring ways to keep students active and connected.