Wildfire forces over 20,000 people to evacuate in western Canada

Canadian officials declared a state of emergency Saturday after a fast-moving wildfire in British Columbia forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate overnight, with flames rapidly spreading through communities in the province’s interior.

Strong winds drove the Bald Range wildfire to expand quickly late Friday, pushing flames toward the Summerland area and threatening communities across surrounding valleys.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said the fire had caused “significant losses” of homes and property, while some residents became trapped as conditions deteriorated rapidly. Air evacuations were underway for people isolated behind the fire perimeter, he said.

Kelly Greene, the province’s minister of emergency management and climate readiness, formally declared a state of emergency as authorities scrambled to contain the blaze and evacuate residents.

CTV News reported that more than 50 people were airlifted from Faulder after advancing flames cut off access to the community.

Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked firefighters and first responders for their efforts, saying the federal government was prepared to support British Columbia.

The Bald Range wildfire was first reported early Friday evening. Eby warned Saturday that the blaze remained “extremely active” and that significant challenges lay ahead.