With Season 13 still in its early days, When Calls the Heart wastes no time reminding viewers that life in Hope Valley has never been free of danger or heartbreak. Episode 2, fittingly titled “Up in Smoke,” raises the stakes in dramatic fashion as a wildfire threatens not just the surrounding land, but the fragile sense of normalcy the town has worked so hard to rebuild.
A Fire Breaks Out and Panic Follows
The episode opens in chaos as a raging wildfire tears through Goldie National Park, instantly placing the town’s children and everyone who loves them in peril. Nathan Grant springs into action alongside Bill Avery, Joseph Canfield, and Oliver Garrett, pushing deep into the smoke-filled park to locate the missing kids. Time is running out, and every decision feels heavier with the wind shifting unpredictably.
They manage to find Opal and Allie relatively quickly, offering a brief moment of relief, but the danger is far from over. Toby and Cooper are still unaccounted for, forcing Nathan and Joseph to head toward the treacherous north ridge while Bill and Oliver escort the girls back toward Hope Valley. The rescue effort takes its toll almost immediately, Bill begins coughing violently from smoke inhalation, a sobering reminder that heroism often comes at a cost.
Rescue, Loss, and a Town on the Move
Thankfully, Toby and Cooper are eventually found, bringing the rescue mission to a successful, if exhausting, end. The episode also introduces viewers to Toby’s mother, marking a small but meaningful expansion of the community. However, relief is short-lived. As the winds intensify, officials issue a mandatory evacuation for the entire town of Hope Valley.
Residents gather at the Visitor’s Center, preparing to leave their homes behind, not knowing what they’ll return to, if anything. The emotional weight hits especially hard for Lee Coulter, who learns that both Goldie National Park and Rosemary’s beloved playhouse have been lost to the flames. Meanwhile, Nathan delivers troubling news to Lucas - Edie has gone back to her ranch to save her horses and livestock, but the fire is closing in fast.
Lucas doesn’t hesitate; he rides out to Edie’s ranch and helps her release the animals, allowing them a fighting chance to escape. It’s a quiet but powerful moment, revealing Lucas’s instinctive compassion—and the growing bond between him and Edie.
Hope Valley Spared, But at a Price
Just as the evacuation caravan prepares to leave, the winds shift once again. Mayor Coulter calls for a stand-down, announcing that Hope Valley is safe for now. The relief is palpable as the fire has changed direction, now heading straight for Benson Hills, where Mike Hickam’s sisters and family live.
Mike and Mei immediately take the fire pump to Benson Hills, determined to help however they can. Henry Gowen joins them, while Christopher and the electric company also head toward the endangered area. Back in Hope Valley, the town prepares to welcome evacuees, once again opening its doors and hearts.
Evacuees Arrive and Tensions Rise
The first wave of displaced residents from Benson Hills arrives in Hope Valley in an unusual fashion, some by car, others on foot, all at once. Among them is Gwendolyn, a young girl whose father is missing. Nathan brings her back to town, quietly carrying the weight of what he already knows.
Meanwhile, Bill’s condition worsens. After another intense coughing spell and a heated confrontation with Clarence, an ungrateful evacuee attempting to hoard donated supplies, Bill collapses and is taken to the infirmary. Oliver steps in, arresting Clarence before he can take advantage of the town’s generosity, a reminder that crisis reveals both the best and worst in people.
Magic, Comfort, and Unexpected Connections
In a much-needed moment of warmth, Lucas unknowingly charms Edie while performing simple magic tricks for displaced children on the streets of Hope Valley. Elizabeth, noticing the comfort it brings the kids, asks Lucas to put on a larger show after dinner.
That evening, Lucas’s impromptu performance becomes a small beacon of joy amid the uncertainty, lifting spirits and briefly easing the fear gripping both towns. Edie, clearly impressed, watches Lucas with fresh eyes, while Elizabeth sees firsthand the quiet power of kindness during a crisis.
A Child in Need of a Home
Gwendolyn refuses to leave the saloon, insisting she won’t go anywhere until her father returns. Observing her bond with little Goldie, Elizabeth comes up with a gentle solution. Rosemary pretends they need a babysitter and invites Gwendolyn to stay with them temporarily.
It’s a tender, thoughtful moment, one that strongly hints Gwendolyn may eventually find a permanent place within the Coulter family. Whether temporary or long-term, her presence already feels meaningful.
Benson Hills Is Gone
The emotional blow lands when Mayor Hickam receives confirmation that Benson Hills has been completely destroyed. Nothing remains. Lives have been spared, but homes, memories, and livelihoods are gone forever.
Nathan finally tells Gwendolyn the truth: her father has been found alive but injured and is recovering in a hospital in Buxton. Due to the risk of infection, she isn’t allowed to see him yet; it’s a bittersweet truth, hope mixed with heartbreak.
Elizabeth Reflects on Change and Survival
In a quiet, reflective scene, Elizabeth unpacks her belongings, coming across Little Jack’s baseball glove, ball, and a framed family photograph. Beneath it lies another photo, likely one of Jack Thornton. As she holds these memories, Elizabeth reflects on how often her idea of “normal” has changed: losing Jack, navigating Little Jack’s diabetes, and now nearly losing everything to fire.
It’s a moment that captures the heart of the series; grief, resilience, and the slow, painful acceptance that life rarely goes as planned.
A Suspect Emerges
As the episode closes, Lee gathers Bill, Nathan, and Lucas for a serious discussion. Convinced the fire wasn’t an accident, Lee places the blame squarely on A.J. McGinty, while Nathan promises a full investigation, Lee makes it clear he won’t rest until justice is served.
No Proposal, Yet!
For fans eagerly awaiting a romantic milestone, there’s no proposal this week. Nathan’s focus remains firmly on protecting the town and managing the aftermath of the fire. Love may be in the air, but survival comes first.
Final Thoughts
Season 13, Episode 2 delivers classic When Calls the Heart fashion. With fires extinguished but scars left behind, the episode sets the stage for rebuilding, healing, and uncovering the truth behind the disaster.
Who or what started the fire? Will Gwendolyn find a permanent home in Hope Valley? And how will Benson Hills rebuild from nothing?
Hope Valley may bend, but it never breaks.
When Calls the Heart airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and streams the next day on Hallmark+.
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