The leaders of Central Okanagan communities have concerns about the provincial Emergency Support Service (ESS) program’s ability to respond to major crises.
A letter from the Regional District Central Okanagan (RDCO), sent to the Ministry of Emergency Management, stated while the program is adequate in supporting small evacuations, (such as the July 1 Knox Mountain wildfire), larger events such as the Grouse Complex wildfire proved inadequacies in responding to larger events.
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The letter is signed by all Central Okanagan municipalities, the RDCO, and Westbank First Nation.
The Grouse Complex wildfire saw the evacuation of more than 10,500 properties and 26,000 people in two days.
Another 10,500 properties were on evacuation alert.
“Using the BC household average this is more than 52,000 people impacted,” the letter said.
It also noted that lineups at reception centres were extraordinarily long due to the registration processing time for supports.
“The issue was not the ability to put roofs over heads, but the speed at which people can be processed for supports. In short, the current information systems and associated actions, cannot process nor be executed, at the speed of the need.”
READ MORE: Central Okanagan fire evacuees say support system too slow
Before the Grouse Complex fire, the RDCO identified its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) as a priority and the partnership with the ESS as a critical component.
“There is no question that all recognize that the ESS response to the most recent multi-jurisdictional wildfire showed the stresses and strains on the system,” the letter continued.
On Oct. 3, Premier David Eby announced a task force to deliver recommendations to government that will address key priorities related to emergency and wildfire management.
“As leaders in the region, we welcome the work of the task force and respectfully ask to be engaged as an integral part of the development of future emergency management planning in B.C.,” the letter stated.
The recommendations are expected in early 2024.
READ MORE: Premier Eby tours wildfire devastation in Central Okanagan
