Nation Thailand
British Columbia declares emergency as 20,000 flee wildfire
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British Columbia declared a province-wide state of emergency on Saturday (August 8) after the fast-moving Bald Range wildfire destroyed homes and forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate communities in western Canada.
Key facts
- The fire, first reported on Friday evening, nearly doubled in size overnight and spread across about 9,500 hectares while remaining out of control
- The Bald Range fire originated about 15 kilometres west of Summerland before racing towards communities around Okanagan Lake.
- Sections of Highway 97 were also closed as authorities directed evacuees towards reception centres in Penticton and West Kelowna.
- More than 100 wildfires were burning across British Columbia, with nearly half classified as out of control.
Summary
The fire, first reported on Friday evening, nearly doubled in size overnight and spread across about 9,500 hectares while remaining out of control. Evacuation orders covered Summerland, home to about 12,000 people, and roughly 8,000 residents in and around neighbouring Peachland.
Premier David Eby confirmed significant losses of homes and other property but said the extent of the damage could not yet be assessed while the area remained an active fire zone.