VANCOUVER — British Columbia declared a province-wide state of emergency on Saturday as a fast-moving, destructive wildfire destroyed homes and forced more than 20,000 residents to evacuate communities along Okanagan Lake in western Canada.
Premier David Eby announced the emergency decree as over 100 wildfires burned across the province, with nearly half categorized as out of control due to scorching heat, persistent drought, and strong winds. The rapidly advancing “Bald Range” wildfire expanded to more than 100 square kilometers within hours, severely impacting the towns of Summerland and Peachland.
The speed of the blaze triggered chaotic evacuations on jammed highways and trapped several residents, prompting search-and-rescue teams and 18 firefighting aircraft to airlift over 50 people to safety. Authorities, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, are also investigating a potential wildfire-related death near Summerland, though active fire conditions have hampered confirmation.
Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene stated that the declaration provides the province with extraordinary powers to restrict non-essential travel and secure emergency shelter for evacuees. Major transport corridors, including Highway 97, remain closed between Peachland and Penticton as firefighting crews battle volatile conditions.
