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'God Cleaned the Slate': Ashes Pave the Road to Recovery After B.C. Wildfires

On Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, British Columbia's wildfire season burned 1,350 square kilometres, only a quarter of the 20-year average, yet more than 500 homes and structures were destroyed or damaged.
Destruction spanned the province, with the Bald Range fire claiming 150 properties and the Bradley Complex destroying 230 homes on Okanagan Indian Band land, while the Big Bar Complex damaged around 120 properties near Clinton.
Survivors face a "long haul" as they navigate debris and insurance gaps. Residents like Patan survey ruin while Steve Naseth and Kathy Naseth struggle to rebuild their retirement home destroyed in early August.
Debris removal presents immediate safety challenges, including silica dust and asbestos contamination, forcing many residents to live in trailers without adequate water or electricity while awaiting hazard assessments.
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen urged officials at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention last week to waive provincial sales tax, noting residents face "substantial rebuilding costs" for construction and utilities.

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The Toronto Star

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‘God cleaned the slate’: Ashes pave the road to recovery after B.C. wildfires

SUMMERLAND - Joel Patan says his "life is ashes" now, as he sifts the ruins of his home that was incinerated last month, along with most structures in the small

3 hours ago·Toronto, Canada

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