Residents of Kimberley, British Columbia are living under an evacuation alert due to the nearby Matthew Creek wildfire. The situation has prompted locals to prepare for a potential evacuation, considering essential items to pack and grappling with what they might have to leave behind. Accounts from three Kimberley residents reveal a mixture of proactive preparation and anxious waiting. Residents are focusing on important documents, medications, and cherished possessions as they prepare “go-bags.” Despite the uncertainty, there remains hope for a quick containment of the fire and a swift return home. The alert serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat of wildfires in the region and the importance of community preparedness.