Hosting Interior evacuees on the Island
Free ferry trips, showers, sani-dump being offered; co-ordinators hope to ease pressure on other areas
Local acreages could become a refuge for evacuees fleeing Interior wildfires.
Retired paramedic Al Wickheim is asking residents to get in touch if they are willing to host evacuees on their properties in self-contained units such as trailers and campers.
Wickheim, who is a community co-ordinator for Juan de Fuca Emergency Services, said he and Juan de Fuca Electoral Area director Mike Hicks came up with the idea to host evacuees in the relatively fresh air of the coast.
“People are moving from one smoky town to a less-smoky town,” he said. “It would get them away from the constant threat of smoke and evacuations, especially for people with lung problems. It would be good to get to some nice, cooler air and show support to the rest of the province.”
The hope is to also alleviate pressure on communities that have already taken on thousands of displaced families.
Wickheim and Hicks have been ironing out details, co-ordinating with Emergency Management B.C. and the Red Cross and determining how many evacuees the community can support.
“At this point, we are considering those evacuees and families with self-contained units — trucks and campers, motorhomes up to 28 feet and similar-sized trailers,” Wickheim said. “Units must be self-contained and able to mobilize to a sani-dump.”
B.C. Ferries will offer a free trip to and from Vancouver Island to evacuees, Hicks said.
Hicks said he and Wickheim wanted to help, but “didn’t quite know” what to do at first. “This is what we think will help some people.”
Free showers are being offered at Sooke’s SEAPARC Leisure Complex and the Sooke Community Association is supplying a free sani-dump service.
“I think the Island should be welcoming these people,” Wickheim said. “At some point, it’s going to be us who need other parts of the province’s assistance.”
Hicks said he hasn’t heard of any similar plans on the Island.
Those interested in volunteering space can contact Wickheim at 250-642-5124 or jdf4evacuees@gmail.com.