‘It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life’: Mayor recalls decision to evacuate community
Posted July 18, 2017 6:30 am.
Last Updated July 18, 2017 6:34 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
KAMLOOPS (NEWS 1130) – The key question at a public information meeting for evacuees from the Cariboo last night was, “When can we go home?”
The Sagebrush Theatre in Kamloops usually holds local plays, dance recitals and high school musicals. Last night it was packed with wildfire evacuees and community leaders for a meeting that lasted nearly two and a half hours.
During the meeting, there was mostly praise for firefighters, police, health workers and even some politicians. The generosity of people in Kamloops is overwhelming many wildfire victims.
Many of the people forced to leave 100 Mile House and Williams Lake have been told their homes are still safe, for now.
But concerns remain about what’s been left behind. Several people talked about livestock possibly starving because no one imagined evacuations orders would last more than a few days.
Homeowners are also becoming increasingly worried about their properties being ransacked, and many people are being frustrated by the paperwork required to get financial compensation promised by the provincial government.
A Red Cross employee pointed out that only two-thirds of evacuees have been registered, but more than 8,000 families have already received cheques.
Mayor recounts decision to tell locals to leave
Perhaps the most moving moments of the meeting came from the Mayor of 100 Mile House. Mitch Campsall became emotional as he recalled signing the papers that would force the evacuation of his community.
“It was a tough one, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. Because, with that, we actually believed there was a good chance we were going to lose the whole community that day.”
He wasn’t sure if all of 100 Mile House would be lost to flames. He went on to praise firefighters as heroes for saving his community, but fought back tears again when he said his goal at this meeting was to tell everyone they can go home.
He admits that all depends on the weather.
Listen to Marcella Bernardo’s interview with the Mayor of 100 Mile House Mayor, Mitch Campsall.
Follow NEWS 1130’s Marcella Bernardo for the latest from Kamloops.
