Finding the Phoenix: Memoir on McDougall Creek wildfire speaks to trauma and resilience

"It was crazy, crazy times," recalls Judith Hutchinson-Lepore, one of tens of thousands of people who endured the trauma of the McDougall Creek wildfire on the westside two years ago. "You couldn't fictionalize something that was more dramatic than what happened."

As one of over 30,000 local evacuees in August 2023, and a home owner in one of the most devastated areas off Bear Creek Road, Hutchinson-Lepore, has documented her harrowing, unforgettable story of fleeing the largest and most devastating fire in West Kelowna’s history.

Her self-published memoir, Finding the Phoenix, went to #1 in its category on Amazon straight after its launch in late July. It chronicles her month-long odyssey along with husband Lorenzo, and their intrepid Australian shepherd, Oliver. It covers their nomadic living, emotional turmoil, and the agonizing uncertainty of whether their house had survived.

But it's also a story about her neighbours, and a testament to the courage of the 500 firefighters from across the province who risked life and limb to fight the blaze; the dedicated leaders of West Kelowna; and the determination of a community banding together to overcome an unimaginable catastrophe.

"That's probably the main reason why I wrote it; to personalize it, so it wasn't just data", she told Kelowna10 from her deck, as the second anniversary of the wildfire approaches. "It wasn't just numbers but people and how people are affected by wildfires. My neighbours and what they went through; they're definitely characters in this book."

Ahead of the second anniversary, Hutchinson-Lepore's neighborhood is abuzz with construction activity. Her immediate neighbours across the street have recently moved into their rebuilt home while alongside, others will be following suit in the coming weeks.

She says the experience of 2023 has changed her but there's a strength that comes with that.

"You're not safe anywhere. I don't feel less safe here, funnily enough. The world has changed. Climate wise there's lot more natural disasters happening, " she said. "What we have to do is gird ourselves. So, what I'd say is we're more aware, I'm more fire-prepared. I've educated myself and everyone needs to do the same."

She's not surprised the book has been a popular buy.

"I think this is such a relevant topic. If I tell someone in a bank lineup I've written this book, it sparks instant response and instant engagement. Everyone's got a story to tell."

Hutchinson-Lepore's story can be purchased online and is also available at Mosaic books.