B.C.’s young evacuees could feel lasting impacts of wildfires as they return home

Erin Trainer stood in her kitchen in Summerland, British Columbia, staring at the artwork her four-year-old daughter, Willow, had created. It was a simple painting, large orange streaks circling a stick figure, with the word “no” repeated multiple times. For Trainer, the image was both heartbreaking and revealing. She had returned home nearly a week after fleeing the Bald Range wildfire, which had forced over 20,000 people to evacuate the south Okanagan region. As she cleaned, Willow had asked for orange paint, then inquired how to spell “no.” The resulting artwork, placed on the refrigerator, seemed to capture the child's emotional response to the trauma of the fire. The Bald Range wildfire, which ignited in mid-August, grew rapidly and became one of the largest fires in British Columbia’s history. By the end of August, it had burned through approximately 150 homes in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, displacing thousands of residents. The evacuation order was lifted for most of Summerland this week, allowing families to begin returning to their homes. Yet, for many, especially children, the experience of being forced to flee overnight, with little warning, has left lingering psychological effects. Negar Khodarahmi, an instructor in the early childhood education program at the University of British Columbia, noted that children often process traumatic experiences through play and creative expression. She described Willow’s painting as a common reaction among young evacuees. “Children learn and process things through play and drawing,” Khodarahmi said. “A reaction like Willow’s isn’t alarming, it’s simply a reflection of how they’re trying to make sense of what happened.” Khodarahmi emphasized that children in the affected areas may continue to feel the impact of the fire on their sense of security long after they return home. “Their home and their community, including their school and just their physical surroundings, are their safe place,” she explained. “They’re where they should be feeling the most secure and the most regulated. Losing that can be quite difficult for some children.” Parents, educators, and community leaders are working together to support children as they reintegrate into daily life. Some are reporting behavioral changes, such as increased anxiety, regression in developmental milestones, or emotional outbursts. Khodarahmi advised parents to be honest with their children about what they experienced, while also emphasizing positive aspects like resilience, hope, and preparedness for future emergencies. “Every adult’s instinct is to protect children as much as possible,” Khodarahmi said. “But children do know what’s going on. Uncertainty can only increase their anxiety and fear. So, it’s always good to address the questions openly and honestly.” For Trainer, the experience of evacuating with her family highlighted the importance of preparation and communication. She and her husband, who works in communications for the regional district, had discussed the possibility of an emergency evacuation before the fire struck. They ensured their children understood the situation clearly. “We really explained the entire time exactly what was happening,” Trainer recalled. “I didn’t try to sugar-coat anything. I was just like, ‘we need to leave because a fire could come to our house.’” The family, along with their pets, safely evacuated during the early hours of the fire. They spent time at a comfort center in Penticton, where evacuees found solace in games, arts, and toys designed specifically for children. “It was very comforting for me,” Trainer said. “The volunteers were amazing, and it really helped kids process things because every child handles this differently.” As the region begins to recover, the focus remains on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of its youngest residents. With the fire still active in parts of the area, the challenge of rebuilding trust and restoring a sense of normalcy continues. For families like Trainer’s, the road ahead will require patience, understanding, and continued care.