British Columbia declares state of emergency as Bald Range wildfire expands to over 100 sq km

A state of emergency was declared in British Columbia after the Bald Range wildfire, first detected on Friday, grew to cover more than 39 square miles (103 square kilometres) across the Summerland, Peachland and surrounding districts. Provincial officials said the blaze has forced the evacuation of more than 20,000 people, the largest displacement event in the province this summer.

Premier David Eby told reporters that fire officials described the fire as comparable to "a bomb going off" and noted that the intense heat had generated its own weather, including lightning. He added that homes and properties had been lost and that some residents were rescued after becoming trapped as conditions changed rapidly.

The emergency declaration grants the provincial government special powers, such as travel restrictions, price-control measures and additional resources to coordinate rescue operations. Summerland, with about 12,000 residents, and Peachland, home to roughly 6,500 people, have issued evacuation orders, and nearby districts have issued alerts.

Mayor Doug Holmes of Summerland said many farms have been affected and that the exact number of destroyed structures remains unknown as crews continue to fight the fire. Interior Health reported that senior-care facilities in Summerland are being relocated to safer locations.

Residents in the Okanagan region have also been trying to move livestock, with some leaving gates open or marking animals to aid later identification. The blaze adds to a broader pattern of wildfires across Canada this summer, which have included nearly 200 active fires in Ontario and caused severe air-quality impacts in Toronto.