PENTICTON, British Columbia: More than 20,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in British Columbia as a fast-moving wildfire continues to spread across the southern interior of the Canadian province.
The Bald Range wildfire has grown rapidly and remains out of control. Authorities said the fire expanded to about 9,500 hectares (23,500 acres), nearly doubling in size overnight.
The worsening situation prompted the British Columbia government to declare a state of emergency.
Evacuation Orders Expand
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for residents in Summerland, Peachland and other communities west of Okanagan Lake.
The wildfire has triggered the largest evacuation event in British Columbia so far this summer, according to officials.
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Summerland has a population of around 12,000, while approximately 6,500 people live in Peachland, based on the 2021 census.
The affected region is also economically important because it produces much of British Columbia’s wine and represents Canada’s second-largest wine-producing area.
Fire Creates Its Own Weather
British Columbia Premier David Eby described the situation as extremely dangerous.
During a news conference, Eby said a fire official compared the intensity of the blaze to “a bomb going off.”
He said the flames had reached the tops of 100-foot trees and extended much higher, while the fire was generating its own weather system.
According to the premier, the resulting conditions can produce lightning, which may create additional fire activity.
Homes and Properties Destroyed
Eby confirmed that homes have already been lost and properties damaged.
He also said some residents became trapped after conditions changed rapidly and had to be rescued.
“This remains a very dynamic and threatening situation,” the premier said, underscoring the challenges facing emergency crews.
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State of Emergency Gives Government More Powers
The emergency declaration gives the provincial government immediate access to special powers.
These powers include imposing travel restrictions, protecting supplies from price gouging and coordinating rescue and emergency operations.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the fire as crews work to contain its spread.
Farmers Among Those Affected
The wildfire has also affected agricultural operations in the region.
Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes, speaking from Penticton, said many farms had been affected. He added that officials did not yet know the full number of structures destroyed because firefighters remained focused on battling the blaze.
“We have to brace ourselves for the worst,” Holmes said.
Officials continue to warn residents in threatened areas to follow evacuation orders as firefighters work to contain the rapidly expanding wildfire.
