Wildfire update: evacuation risk has passed for now. Read more here.
An out of control wildfire is raging a mere 10 km from our forested mushroom farm in Sayward BC, and we are on high alert for an evacuation order.
Despite this uncertainty, we continue to produce fresh mushroom spawn and ship your orders out promptly.
However we may need to close our farm soon, without warning, if an evacuation order is given.
We encourage you to stock up on mushroom growing supplies now, and are having a literal “fire sale” with up to 30% off this week.
Human Caused
Fire officials announced the wildfire on Monday afternoon, and high winds fanned the blaze to 90 hectares by that evening.
Even with the best efforts of firefighters on the ground and by air, the fire has grown to more than 2 square kilometers in size (209 hectares), blanketing the valley with smoke.
No evacuation order has been issued to date, but the community is on high alert for any change.
The fire is suspected to be human caused.
Taking Action to Save the Mushroom Farm
Jessica and staff have been working to create a “fire safe” perimeter around her residence and the mushroom production facilities.
All dead twigs and branches are being removed from this area, then the forest floor is raked to remove dry leaves and duff which pose the biggest risk of igniting from falling embers.
We have made a big pile of this organic material far from the buildings, and naturally the team has plans to plant it with wine cap mushroom spawn. We also have plans to grow shiitake on the small alder tree that had to be cut down next to the house.
“It’s quite terrifying - the thought of losing the farm to fire, We’re doing what we can to be productive in the face of such a looming threat.”
Ongoing Threat
With the fire still burning out of control and not responding to fire suppression efforts, we don’t know what is on the horizon.
But in the meantime, we will continue to ship your orders promptly and appreciate your ongoing support.
Our thoughts are with all the people across Canada who are currently affected by fires.
Be fire safe!
Jessica and the Grow Mushrooms Canada Team