British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Saturday due to a fast-moving wildfire that has destroyed homes and forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate communities along Okanagan Lake in western Canada.
Premier David Eby announced the emergency as over 100 wildfires burn across the province, with nearly half of them out of control amidst hot, windy weather and prolonged drought. The entire community of Summerland, home to about 12,000 people, was ordered evacuated overnight, along with approximately 8,000 people in and around Peachland.
Some residents became trapped and required rescue, with search-and-rescue crews continuing to look for others. Cliff Chapman, director of wildfire operations for the BC Wildfire Service, described fire conditions as “explosive” and warned that other communities could face similar fires.
The Bald Range wildfire, first reported on Friday evening, grew to about 50 sq km within hours, overwhelming the community of Faulder and reaching Summerland rapidly. Kelly Greene, British Columbia’s emergency management minister, stated that the state of emergency grants the province additional powers, including the ability to restrict travel and secure accommodation for evacuees.