British Columbia declares emergency as wildfires force over 20,000 to evacuate
A state of emergency was declared in British Columbia after more than 100 wildfires, including a fast-moving blaze near Okanagan Lake, prompted the evacuation of over 20,000 residents.
British Columbia announced a state of emergency on Saturday after a rapidly spreading wildfire near Okanagan Lake destroyed homes and compelled more than 20,000 people to leave their communities. The province is battling over 100 fires, nearly half of which are out of control amid hot, windy conditions and prolonged drought.
Premier David Eby said the situation forced the evacuation of the town of Summerland, home to about 12,000 residents, and roughly 8,000 people in and around Peachland. He confirmed significant structure loss but noted that damage assessments remain incomplete because the area is still an active fire zone.
"People have lost their homes. And many people have been displaced," Eby said.
Emergency official Erick Thompson of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen reported he had to abandon the emergency operations centre and evacuate his family as traffic backed up.
"I had to leave the EOC to come and get my family to leave this area. We’re heading south," Thompson said in a video posted early Saturday.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating a possible wildfire-related death near Summerland, though hazardous conditions have delayed confirmation. British Columbia Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said 18 firefighting aircraft rescued more than 50 people.
The Bald Range fire, first reported Friday evening, expanded to more than 52 square miles, advancing roughly nine miles toward Okanagan Lake within hours. A provincial wildfire service map showed the blaze crossing areas with numerous homes north of Summerland and reaching the lake.
Cliff Chapman, director of operations for the provincial wildfire service, described conditions as "explosive" and warned that other communities could face similarly fast-moving fires.
Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene explained that the emergency declaration grants the province additional powers, including travel restrictions and the ability to secure accommodations for evacuees.
Highway 97 between Peachland and Penticton was closed as roads filled with fleeing residents. At an evacuation centre in Penticton, Summerland resident Anette Boulet described the approaching fire as looking like "doomsday" and said she fled before dawn with her family and five dogs, uncertain whether her home still stood.