Frustrated residents evacuated from Summerland, B.C., are turning to unofficial channels for updates on their community’s status due to a lack of official information, despite warnings about misinformation. Some have found solace in online photos and videos shared by individuals who remained in the evacuated area, such as an e-bike rider navigating the deserted yet seemingly unharmed streets.

Kerry Gold, a resident, expressed gratitude for the e-bike rider’s videos, which provided reassurance amidst uncertainty about their own homes. Meanwhile, authorities, including Erick Thompson from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, acknowledged the evacuees’ frustrations and efforts to seek information independently.

Thompson, known for his informative livestreams, expressed his desire to access downtown Summerland to provide residents with visual updates. The provincial government confirmed significant property damage from the Bald Range fire, which ravaged homes and the community of Faulder.

Amid concerns about misinformation, the RCMP and Forests Minister Ravi Parmar cautioned against false statements regarding the fire’s cause. In response to shifting conditions, the City of Penticton urged residents to rely on official sources for updates.

Residents like Gold and her husband, staying in Penticton, criticized the lack of detailed information from authorities, emphasizing the importance of accurate updates to alleviate community anxieties. Suggestions were made for improved communication strategies, including the appointment of a dedicated liaison officer for timely public updates.

Emergency Management Minister Kelly Green emphasized the responsible dissemination of information to affected residents, highlighting the district authorities’ role in conducting damage assessments once conditions permit.