A Summerland, B.C., father is coping with the loss of his family home in the Bald Range wildfire by giving back to those even more in need. Joel Patan has turned his business, Patan Heating and Air, into a donation drop-off centre in Penticton. “That’s how we’re coping, is making sure that you know people even less fortunate than us are getting the support they need,” Patan told CTV News. Patan put out the call on the business’ social media pages, for clothing, toiletries and everyday essentials. In just one day, he says dozens of people and businesses stepped up, offering “overwhelming support.” “Seeing families able to come in, find what they need, and give their kids even a small sense of normalcy after everything they’ve been through means more than I can put into words,” Patan wrote. Patan has also started a GoFundMe campaign to provide support to those without insurance. The Bald Range wildfire continues to burn out of control, with heavy smoke blanketing the area around Summerland. More than 17,000 hectares have burned since the fire erupted Friday evening, forcing more than 20,000 people to evacuate their homes. Patan said it all happened in a “blink of an eye,” from the moment a neighbour texted saying they had spotted a fire, to flames reaching their backdoor. And it was that warning that likely prevented further losses. “We didn’t get the evacuation notice until probably about 30 minutes after my house had burned,” he said. Patan was able to safely evacuate with his wife and their two young children, along with his parents and their pets. They are now staying at his in-law’s home in Penticton. Officials say there has been “significant structure loss” as a result of the fire, and there is currently no timeline for residents to be allowed to return. BC Wildfire Service says information about structure loss will be shared by regional districts and local authorities as it becomes available. Patan says images taken by community members who did not evacuate have offered his family some closure. “They lived through the fire; they didn’t leave,” he said. “I don’t suggest ever doing that, and we’re happy that we got some closure to see our home.” Patan says as the days go by the reality of the destruction has started to set in, leaving him feeling “just a loss of words.” “Right now, just getting people their necessities is where we need to start.”
