British Columbia declares emergency as wildfire forces over 20,000 evacuations near Okanagan Lake
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11 days · 3 summary articles
Wildfires kill woman in Canada, force thousands to flee as blazes rage in France and Spain
British Columbia declares emergency as wildfire forces over 20,000 evacuations near Okanagan Lake
Washington wildfires force thousands to evacuate as flames threaten 4,000 structures
British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Saturday as a fast-moving wildfire forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate communities near Okanagan Lake, with the blaze overwhelming smaller towns like Faulder within hours.
The Bald Range fire, first reported on Friday, doubled in size to approximately 95 square kilometers by Saturday, fueled by strong winds, according to provincial authorities. British Columbia Premier David Eby said the conditions were “extremely dangerous” and changing by the minute, with some residents trapped by flames and requiring air rescues .
Eby addressed evacuees directly, stating, “You are not alone in this—the entire province stands behind you,” and emphasized that protecting lives and supporting rescue operations was the top priority. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked firefighters and first responders, pledging federal support for firefighting and evacuations .
Over 100 wildfires were active across British Columbia, with nearly half out of control, officials reported. The Okanagan-Similkameen region, including Summerland and Peachland, was among the hardest hit, with the Bald Range fire alone growing to over 100 square kilometers in a single day . Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes told Reuters that many farms had been affected and that authorities were preparing for the worst, as the exact number of destroyed buildings remained unclear .
More than 1,500 firefighters were deployed in British Columbia, with additional crews arriving from Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as from other Canadian provinces, including Alberta, Yukon, and Quebec . Evacuation orders covered 22,000 people, with another 10,000 told to prepare to leave immediately, according to the BC Wildfire Service .
The province’s emergency response included securing temporary housing and resources for displaced residents. Local officials in Summerland announced financial support of up to 1,360 Swedish kronor per night for evacuees seeking alternative accommodation .
Other parts of Canada, including Ontario and Quebec, have also faced significant wildfires this year, with hot and dry conditions exacerbating the spread of flames across wide areas .
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Articles
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