BRITISH COLUMBIA, 9 August 2026 (TON): British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Saturday after thousands of people in the western Canadian province were ordered to flee a fast-moving wildfire that nearly doubled in size overnight.
The Bald Range wildfire was burning out of control and grew rapidly to about 9,500 hectares, prompting evacuation orders in Summerland, Peachland and other districts west of Okanagan Lake in the province's southern interior.
It was reported that the flames on 100-foot tree, flames going 200 feet above the trees. Thousands of properties have been destroyed. Some people became trapped creating a threatening situation. Summerland has a population of about 12,000 people, according to the 2021 census, and Peachland is home to about 6,500 residents.
A state of emergency grants the provincial government immediate access to special powers including travel restrictions and supply protections to prevent price gouging, and specific tools to coordinate rescue work.
Officials said the Bald Range wildfire triggered the largest evacuation event so far this summer and more than 20,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes.