Juan de Fuca Emergency Services is implementing a program which will allow B.C. Interior fire evacuees to escape the smoke for a while, by pairing them up with host rural property owners in the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area.
So far, 90 spots have been offered from people in Sooke, Langford, Metchosin, Duncan and more.
“A lot of the evacuation centres are totally maxed out and people are in the smoke stressed out and coughing, and we are sitting here relatively smoke free so we wanted to help out our fellow man,” said Juan de Fuca Electoral Area director Mike Hicks.
The program is offered to evacuees who have campers or a motor home and are self-sustained. B.C. Ferries will provide a free return ferry pass for registered evacuees and their vehicles.
“We are proud to use our expertise and emergency network and offer tired and stressed evacuees a safe haven during their time of need,” said Al Wickheim, Otter Point community coordinator.
SEAPARC will also offer free shower facilities and the Sooke Community Association will supply free sani-dump service at the Sooke River Campground.
Host property owners can register with the JDF Emergency Services and from there will be paired up with evacuees.
Property owners in the Juan de Fuca area who have available space and are willing to offer a location on their land for one or more evacuee units are encouraged to phone 250-642-8106 or email jdf4evacuees@gmail.com.