A long-time farmer in B.C.’s Garnet Valley, Thomas Tumbach, faced significant losses when his residence and various structures on his 4.85-hectare farm were consumed by the intense Bald Range wildfire. Not only did he lose his home, but his organic vegetables, which were in prime condition, were also impacted. Tumbach believed that fellow farmers in the broader Okanagan area were likely facing similar challenges with their harvests being affected or unsellable.
Despite the personal devastation he experienced, Tumbach remained resilient and collaborated with his friend and chef, Ned Bell, to establish the Summerland Sauce Project. This initiative involved Bell creating hundreds of liters of sauce using produce sourced from local farmers. Proceeds from the sauce sales would be directed towards supporting farmers impacted by the wildfire, particularly those whose crops had been destroyed.
Speaking to Joseph Otoo, guest host of CBC’s Daybreak South, Tumbach emphasized the community’s determination to bounce back from the setback caused by the wildfire and ensure a consistent food supply for the region. Bell’s initial sauce for the project, named Ned’s Ratatouille, featured a blend of local Okanagan vegetables like eggplant, squash, onions, and peppers. The sauce would be sold through the LocalMotive Low-Waste Market in Penticton, B.C.
The Summerland community, hosting numerous wildfire evacuees, including Tumbach, was stepping up to support those affected by the disaster. Bell highlighted the additional challenges faced by local farmers due to disrupted tourism and climate change impacts on harvests, leading to decreased sales opportunities. In response, Bell aimed to create nutrient-dense sauces to minimize food waste and maximize support for the farming community.
The Bald Range wildfire, which rapidly expanded near Summerland after igniting on August 7, had engulfed an area exceeding 210 square kilometers by Sunday. Tumbach shared his past experiences fleeing wildfires but noted that the intensity of the Bald Range fire surpassed any previous encounters. Reflecting on the situation, Tumbach acknowledged the need to prioritize community support and empathy for others in distress during such crises.
Looking ahead, Bell stressed the importance of ongoing support for the B.C. Interior’s farming community in the face of recurring wildfires. He envisioned similar projects emerging in different regions to aid farmers in the future, emphasizing the necessity to safeguard these farmers against the escalating wildfire threats.