After farming in B.C.’s Garnet Valley for more than twenty years, Thomas Tumbach suffered the loss of his residence and multiple structures on his 4.85-hectare farm to the intense Bald Range wildfire. His organic crops were at their prime when the disaster struck, a situation likely shared by other farmers in the broader Okanagan area facing losses or challenges in selling their produce.
Despite the personal tragedy, Tumbach remained resilient and joined forces with his friend and chef, Ned Bell, to launch the “Summerland Sauce Project.” Under this initiative, Bell has already produced large quantities of sauce using locally sourced ingredients bought from affected farmers, with proceeds from sauce sales set to assist those impacted by the wildfire, especially farmers whose harvests were destroyed.
Acknowledging the setbacks caused by the wildfire, Tumbach expressed determination to support local producers and ensure a continuous food supply for the community. Bell’s inaugural sauce for the project, named “Ned’s Ratatouille,” incorporates a variety of Okanagan vegetables like eggplant, squash, and peppers. The frozen sauce will be available for sale at the LocalMotive Low-Waste Market in Penticton, B.C.
The Summerland community, where numerous wildfire evacuees like Tumbach have sought refuge, has been a focal point for support efforts. Bell, a resident of Naramata, B.C., emphasized that local farmers are not only facing crop losses due to evacuation orders but are also grappling with reduced tourism and climate-related challenges affecting their harvests.
To address these issues, Bell emphasized the importance of creating high-nutrient-density products to combat food waste. He highlighted the project’s adaptability, with plans to introduce new and innovative sauces in the coming weeks, potentially featuring overlooked fresh fruits.
The Bald Range wildfire, which erupted on August 7, has rapidly expanded to cover over 210 square kilometers, particularly impacting the Summerland area. Tumbach described the fire as the most devastating he has experienced, underscoring the unpredictability and severity of the blaze that led to the destruction of his home, greenhouses, and equipment.
Reflecting on the situation, Tumbach shared that his instinct during the crisis was to prioritize the well-being of others over personal possessions. The community’s resilience in the face of such challenges was further emphasized by Bell, who highlighted the urgent need to support farmers in the region and prepare for potential future disasters.
With wildfires becoming a recurring threat in the B.C. Interior, initiatives like the Summerland Sauce Project could serve as a model for supporting farming communities in the years ahead. Bell emphasized the necessity of safeguarding farmers and promoting initiatives that strengthen the region’s agricultural resilience.
The devastating impact of wildfires on the B.C. Interior has underscored the need for ongoing support and innovative solutions to protect the farming community and ensure food security in the face of escalating climate challenges.
