British Columbia Declares Emergency as Wildfires Force 20,000 to Flee

The Story

British Columbia declared a state of emergency Saturday as more than 20,000 people fled fast-moving wildfires across the province. Premier David Eby announced the emergency, noting that over 100 wildfires are burning, with nearly half of them out of control. The Bald Range wildfire triggered the largest evacuation event of the summer, forcing tens of thousands to leave their communities. The Bald Range wildfire, still considered out of control, has spread over more than 36 square miles (95 square kilometers), doubling in size since it was first detected on Friday. The rapid spread has destroyed homes and created conditions described by officials as unprecedented. The BC Wildfire Service states the Summerland wildfire is one of the most challenging fires the province has ever faced. Officials have likened the blaze to a bomb going off, with the BC Wildfire Service describing the Summerland wildfire as explosive and creating conditions never seen before. The province's declaration of emergency provides authorities with additional powers to manage the crisis and coordinate response efforts. Helicopter rescues have been necessary for dozens of people trapped behind the fire line. The affected region produces most of British Columbia's wine and is Canada's second-largest wine-producing area. David Hickey, a driver with the High Acuity Response Team, helped receive dozens of seniors relocated from residential care facilities to the Kaigo Senior Living Facility in Kelowna. The state of emergency remains in effect as firefighting efforts continue against the rapidly advancing blazes.

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