The Bush Creek East wildfire devasted towns in the Shuswap in August, 2023.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Facebook/ Askem Productions

A production company in Kamloops has released a teaser trailer for a documentary on the wildfire that destroyed several communities in the Shuswap last summer.

Backburn – Behind the Lines, by Askem Productions has been in the making for six months.

“We all grew up in the area, the Shuswap has been a big part of our lives,” said production company owner Cjay Boisclair. “My dad was evacuated in the wildfire and it became real to us, it was so awful when it was going on. We learned about the backburn and were stirred to cover the stories.”

The Bush Creek East wildfire continues to be shrouded in controversy for a few reasons, one of which was a backburn lit by the wildfire service that some locals believe was the cause of much of the destruction and another one being a conflict between government authorities attending the fire and locals who ignored evacuation orders to stay and defend their homes and properties.

The documentary looks at the controversial circumstances around the fire through the lens of the local community. It includes stories of locals staying behind and what unfolded when the wildfire service and police arrived.  Other stories are about neighbours helping neighbours, friendships, losses and rebuilding. 

“When we first decided to tell the story we thought it was only about the controversy, the mistakes made and rebuilding,” Boisclair said. “We changed our narrative to the spirit of the people and the relationships they had formed. 

“Strangers becoming brothers, businesses helping with no gain. Everyone learning to rely on each other and to care for each other. It was so beautiful I don’t think many people get to experience something like that in a lifetime."

The teaser trailer opens up with a vehicle driving through candling trees and ground fires as heavy smoke obscures the view and burning cinders rain down through the darkness.

"Fire on both sides, I can hardly see the road, it’s so hot, so hot unbelievable hot," the driver said. 

A handful of long-time residents share their memories and heartbreak over the loss of the forest and homes.

“At that point it was just a panic, everything went dark around us and the smoke just rolled in so heavy, you could see the glow on the mountain," said one resident in the trailer.

READ MORE: iN VIDEO: Kamloops horror film festival features all Canadian content

Boisclair will be showing a rough draft of the documentary in the Shuswap in August in order get feedback from the locals. The film will then go through a polishing phase and be screened at film festivals.

“I’m so excited because of the way the community has welcomed (the trailer) and within 24 hours we’ve had thousands of views and shares.”

READ MORE: Firefighters from around world coming to Kamloops for competition

The production company is on the hunt for stories and footage of the fire along with donations to complete the documentary.

“Having a variety of experiences will make it more impactful,” Boisclair said.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.

News from © iNFOnews, 2024