Canada provides federal aid as wildfires force thousands from British Columbia
The federal government will supply emergency shelter and assistance after more than 100 fast-moving wildfires in British Columbia forced about 22,000 residents to evacuate.
More than 100 wildfires were burning across British Columbia on Sunday, with nearly half classified as “out of control,” according to the provincial wildfire service. The blaze in the Bald Range grew to roughly 40 square miles within hours, prompting the evacuation of the entire town of Summerland – about 12,000 residents – and an additional 8,000 people in nearby Peachland. Around 10,000 others have been told to be ready to leave at short notice.
"I approved a request for federal assistance from British Columbia to provide shelter and accommodations for people who have been forced to leave their homes," said Eleanor Olszewski, Canada’s minister of emergency management and community resilience, adding that federal officials will work with the province to deliver support.
Premier David Eby declared a state of emergency on Saturday, describing the fire’s rapid spread as “like a bomb going off.” Cliff Chapman, director of provincial operations for the BC Wildfire Service, said prolonged hot, dry weather created “explosive” fire conditions not previously seen, and warned that upcoming thunderstorms could generate additional lightning-ignited fires.
The response includes ten standard helicopters and a night-vision helicopter, though thick smoke and turbulence have hampered efforts. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating a possible fatality near Summerland.
Experts attribute the unprecedented speed and intensity of the fires to climate-driven drought. Mike Flannigan, a wildland-fire professor at Thompson Rivers University, noted that the region has experienced six weeks of little to no rain, leaving forests “bone dry.” He said traditional fire-management assumptions – such as a 20-kilometre buffer from communities – are no longer reliable, and warned residents to keep emergency kits ready.
Flannigan also said that fires now often continue to burn through the night, requiring the use of night-vision helicopters. He cautioned that the fire season could extend into autumn, potentially creating “fire years” similar to those seen in California.