Welcome to Colleen’s Corner. This is a column meant for fun and some information About myself: I am a Freelance Photographer you often see me on the side of the road or in various places taking photos of different things animals, birds, places, people etc. l have lived in Lumby for over 18 years, you have seen my photos in the newspaper (Lumby Valley Times) and once in awhile in the Vernon Morning Star, and the Lumby Art Gallery. Photography is my passion. Disclaimer: The information on some of my photos that I write about a lot of times come from the Internet or books I research them, hopefully the facts are as close to the truth as I can come.
By Colleen Fielding
At one time Mickey lived in Lumby she was a paramedic. After retiring for the past few years, she and her husband Corey have their home on Westside Road. Still making visits to Lumby on occasions.
They were evacuated August 2nd, 2026
In about 40 minutes they were on alert, then almost immediately it switched into an order. Looking up towards the south she saw the big cloud of smoke, the fire at Bradley creek was burning aggressively and the road at Parker Cove was shut down. Mickey started to get things packed making sure they had their dog food supplies as well.
Going through the Kelowna route the traffic was bumper to bumper. It was going to take a long time to get anywhere. While in the traffic Mickey made a phone call, they would head to the Lumby Lions Campground.
Not new to the fires and evacuations memories of the 2021 fire were rushing through Mickeys head. The fire that destroyed Lytton and then had spread to the Westside. Mickey and Corey had lost their truck, RV and their house this burned to the ground there was nothing left. On August 15, 2021, the OAP hall was putting on a special dinner for the evacuees. Mickeys phone rang, she got a call, the voice on the line said “Mickey, it’s all gone.”
While talking with Mickey she said that the following day would be their 5-year anniversary since losing their home in 2021. It took them 2 years to rebuild. They were able to move back into their home in May of 2023, and shortly after that they were put on alert again because of the fire at the Okanagan Resort.
Although they were able to return home on August 14, 2026, they were told they were still on alert.
They are so grateful they had insurance; she gave a reminder to people when dealing with the insurance, take all your receipts for the new things you had purchased before the fire like a new washing machine, fridge, new landscaping, etc. taking pictures of everything new or what you improvements you have done is a great way to show proof to your insurance company.
She would like to thank everyone in Lumby, Fields, Snack Shac, Sister’s and of course the Lions and Cheryl and her brother Ken that run the Lions Campground.
Speaking of the Lions, they need so many members to stay open. They are diminishing in their members across BC if they don’t have enough members, they will have too completely close down as a couple sadly have already done. This is a great loss for all communities involved. As what’s happening with most organizations the people are getting older and not enough young people are entering the organizations to help out. The Lions organization are there for everyone giving donations for eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, etc. trying to help people as much as they possibly can.
Did you know that for the evacuees they can stay at the Lions Campground for free.
Call Cheryl 250-547-2005
They will have meetings upstairs at the Lumby Legion, the first meeting of the season will be September 1, 2026, then the first Tuesday of the month 7:00 pm if you would like to go to the meetings and think about joining you could contact Bev at 250-547- 1437
The Lions will be 80 years old this year
