Residents, fire crews clash as some choose to defy B.C. wildfire evacuation orders

A planned ignition for the Pear Lake wildfire in B.C.'s Cariboo region burns in this Wednesday, July 29, 2026 handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout, B.C. Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit) A man from Boston Bar, B.C., says officials are "villainizing" those who defy evacuation orders, even though they have the expertise and willingness to pitch in to protect their communities. Attila Banhegyi said the decision to stay is a more nuanced topic than the edict to just leave. "Some people are equipped to stay behind in certain emergencies. And some are even willing to die to protect their own livelihoods.

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Scoop News DeskBoston, Massachusetts · Published Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 10:02 PM UTCUpdated Friday, July 31, 2026 at 3:00 AM UTC

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A statement released this week from the Ambulance Paramedics of BC, the union representing around 6,000 ambulance paramedics and dispatchers, urged residents to leave when placed under evacuation order. "Choosing to remain behind places not only you and your family at risk, but may also require firefighters, paramedics, police, and search and rescue teams to conduct dangerous rescue operations that could otherwise have been avoided," it said.

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