Smoke darkened the skies as flames from a rapidly spreading wildfire approached a farm in western Canada owned by Jake van Angeren's family for 70 years. In Goodlow, an agricultural community near Alberta in northeastern British Columbia, evacuation alerts prompted families to prepare for potential evacuation, but Mr. van Angeren and his neighbors chose to fight the fire instead.
They filled water tanks, cleared combustible vegetation to create firebreaks, and engaged directly with the flames, ultimately saving the van Angeren farm. Volunteers also contributed by bringing a water truck to aid in firefighting efforts.
Canada's wildfire season, typically lasting from April to October, has intensified this year, consuming nearly nine million acres across four provinces and forcing thousands to make urgent evacuation decisions. At least 30,000 people in Saskatchewan and Manitoba have fled their homes in recent weeks due to the encroaching flames.
While some families obey evacuation orders, others, particularly farmers, opt to stay and protect their livelihoods. Mr. van Angeren, who inherited his 650-acre property after his father's death, expressed his determination to stay until the end, emphasizing the importance of his land.
The fire, ignited by lightning, burned approximately 11,000 acres, with embers spreading to agricultural plots. Farmers in Goodlow have voiced frustration over the slow response times of the province’s wildfire service, which they believe is inadequate for their sparsely populated region.
In response to the threat, local farmers have banded together, forming unofficial fire brigades and utilizing their knowledge of the land and available resources to combat the fires. Over a period of four days, about 80 neighbors collaborated to create fire breaks and extinguish spot fires on Mr. van Angeren's property.
Farmers contributed their own equipment and supplies, including hoses, water tanks, and generators, showcasing the community's resilience and cooperation. Meanwhile, local women provided food for the volunteers, fostering a sense of camaraderie during the crisis.
As night fell, Mr. van Angeren and his friends strategized their firefighting efforts, adapting to changing wind conditions and working tirelessly to protect their land. The provincial forestry service later arrived to assist with remaining hot spots and implement fire protection measures.
Reflecting on his connection to the land, Mr. van Angeren noted the deep personal significance of his farm, stating, "Your farm kind of means everything to you. It's just the way of life."
An aerial view of Mr. van Angeren’s property shows scorched patches nearby, a testament to the recent wildfire's impact.