British Columbia declares state of emergency as wildfire forces 20,000 to flee

British Columbia declared a state of emergency Saturday as a fast-moving wildfire forced more than 20,000 people to flee their homes. The Bald Range wildfire, burning out of control in the province's southern interior, nearly doubled in size overnight to about 9,500 hectares.

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He described flames on a 100-foot tree, flames going 200 feet above that, and the fire creating its own weather system, which creates lightning, which then feeds on itself.

Premier David Eby described the fire's intensity, relaying a fire official's account of "flames on a 100-foot tree, flames going 200 feet above that, and the fire creating its own weather system." He confirmed that homes and properties have been destroyed and some residents became trapped and required rescue.

The state of emergency grants the provincial government special powers, including travel restrictions and measures to prevent price gouging. Officials stated this wildfire triggered the largest evacuation event of the summer. Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes expressed concern, saying, "A lot of farms have been affected. We don't know how many structures have been lost. They're still busy fighting the fire. We have to brace ourselves for the worst."

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Homes have been lost, and properties have been destroyed. Some people became trapped as conditions changed very quickly, and needed to be rescued.

Residents evacuated overnight, with some capturing videos of fires by the highway and burning structures. Ashes began to settle in nearby areas, painting the skies orange. Summerland lost power and issued a boil-water notice due to untreated water entering the system. Firefighters from multiple countries are assisting Canadian provinces that have battled blazes this year amid hot, dry weather.

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A lot of farms have been affected. We don't know how many structures have been lost. They're still busy fighting the fire. We have to brace ourselves for the worst.