Volunteer Rescues 60+ Animals From BC Wildfire Zone

Nowlin Kazimir got a call from his friend Devyn, who was sobbing because she'd escaped the Bradley Creek wildfire near Vernon but had to leave 13 horses behind. He grabbed his gear and headed straight into the evacuation zone.

That was just the beginning. Over the past several days, Kazimir and his small team have rescued 32 horses, 17 goats, six sheep, multiple cats and dogs, and one very special pig from the flames on BC's Westside Road.

Devyn lost her home and shop to the fire. Her family had less than five minutes to evacuate, so little time her youngest daughter couldn't even grab shoes. But every single one of her animals made it out alive because Kazimir refused to let them burn.

Among the rescues was Jelly Bean, a pig who suffered burns in the fire. Kazimir has been caring for her himself, with medication donated by Lumby IDA Pharmacy and food brought by community members. Despite her injuries, Jelly Bean is recovering well.

"It's a miracle she made it out," Kazimir said. He's had almost no sleep in days, coordinating rescues and securing permits to enter evacuation zones legally.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine isn't just the number of animals saved. It's that Kazimir doesn't even live on the Westside. He's not a professional rescuer or firefighter. He's simply someone who couldn't sit idle while his friend's animals faced certain death.

The calls keep pouring in. Kazimir is now receiving requests to help rescue animals between Logan Lake and Merritt as more wildfires spread. "We just got slammed," he said, exhausted but determined.

The Forever Home Sanctuary and other local groups have opened their doors to house the rescued animals. Kazimir emphasizes this isn't a solo mission. His small team coordinates with larger rescue operations for the biggest jobs, proving what a community can accomplish when people show up for each other.

Jelly Bean is healing, Devyn's 13 horses are safe, and dozens of other animals have a second chance thanks to one man who answered the phone and said yes.