Wildfires force 20,000 to flee as British Columbia declares state of emergency

British Columbia declared a state of emergency Saturday as wildfires raged across the province, destroying homes and forcing over 20,000 people to flee communities along Okanagan Lake. Premier David Eby announced the measure as more than 100 fires burned, with nearly half raging out of control in hot, windy conditions exacerbated by a prolonged drought.

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I know many families are facing an unimaginable day today. People have lost their homes. And many people have been displaced. Others are waiting for news about loved ones.

The entire community of Summerland, home to about 12,000 residents, was ordered to evacuate overnight. An additional 8,000 people in and around nearby Peachland also received evacuation orders. Officials have not yet determined the full extent of property destruction, but some residents became trapped and required rescue by firefighting helicopters diverted from their duties.

Cliff Chapman, director of wildfire operations for the BC Wildfire Service, described fire conditions as "explosive." The Bald Range wildfire, which began Friday evening, rapidly grew to approximately 50 square kilometers (19 square miles), overwhelming the small community of Faulder and advancing toward Summerland with extraordinary speed. Chapman warned that other communities could face similar threats.

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explosive

The state of emergency grants the province enhanced powers, including the ability to restrict travel and secure necessary accommodations for evacuees. Erick Thompson, an emergency official, called the wildfire one of the region's "quickest-moving, fastest-growing" events, forcing him to abandon his post and evacuate his own family.

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quickest-moving, fastest-growing