Vancouver: A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for the entire population of Summerland in British Columbia, Canada, as a rapidly moving wildfire threatens the town. Authorities stepped up emergency measures after the “Bald Range” wildfire expanded drastically within a matter of hours.
The fire was first spotted on Friday around 5:30 PM, approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Summerland. Within just three hours, the wildfire surged to cover an area of 50 square kilometers, according to Erik Thompson from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre.
Pointing out the extreme threat to human life and safety, a local state of emergency was declared in the District of Summerland on August 8. Fire officials categorized the wildfire at Rank 5 intensity—a level characterized by fast rates of spread and ember transport that can ignite spot fires far ahead of the main front. Officials noted it as one of the fastest-growing wildfires ever observed in the region.
Authorities warned that Highway 97 could be closed due to the potential expansion of the flames. The BC Wildfire Service reported that strong winds are throwing embers up to one kilometer away from the main fire area. Air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews have been deployed to contain the blaze. As the flames reached structures, immediate mandatory evacuations were enforced in affected neighborhoods.
Ashley Justin, a Summerland resident whose home was destroyed in the blaze, shared that they had only minutes to escape. Upon her husband returning home from work on Friday evening, they noticed flames and heavy smoke on the nearby hillside and immediately gathered essentials to leave. Justin mentioned that hot embers were already falling onto their car seats as they pulled away. She added that the fire surrounded their home before any official evacuation alert or order could reach them.
Meanwhile, emergency teams confirmed that at least 55 people were rescued by air as part of the urgent response operations. According to the 2021 census, Summerland has a population of over 12,000. The Bald Range wildfire is one of 104 active wildfires currently burning across British Columbia. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
