After the wildfire threat subsided and residents were allowed to return home, a family in Summerland, British Columbia, was dismayed to discover their residence in disarray. Contrary to their fears of the Bald Range wildfire causing destruction, Mira Boucher revealed that their home had been burglarized while the neighborhood was deserted due to the evacuation order.
Upon entering their house, the family noticed signs of intrusion, causing distress to the children who had already experienced trauma from the wildfire evacuation. Having moved in just weeks before the wildfire erupted, the Boucher family witnessed flames approaching their area on August 7 before hastily evacuating with minimal belongings.
The burglars ransacked the house, flipping out closets and dressers in search of valuables, leaving a trail of chaos. Valuables such as jewelry, computers, gaming consoles, and personal documents were stolen, leaving the family feeling violated and unsafe in their own home.
The Bouchers suspect that larger items like bikes were left untouched due to logistical challenges for the thieves. Their secluded property was likely targeted as it offered less visibility to law enforcement patrols during the evacuation period. The RCMP confirmed that the Bouchers’ property, situated on a five-acre orchard, was the sole reported case of burglary during the Summerland evacuation.
Law enforcement officers had been monitoring the area, comprising over 5,000 unoccupied homes, for any suspicious activities while maintaining barricades and continuous patrols to prevent unauthorized access. Currently, the RCMP is collaborating with the family to recover the stolen items and investigate the incident further.
Despite the recovery of some personal belongings, the Boucher family is focused on rebuilding their lives and restoring a sense of security in their home after the unsettling experience of having their privacy invaded and possessions rifled through without consent.