British Columbia declares provincial state of emergency as wildfires grow
More than 100 wildfires are burning and almost half are out of control, officials said, as emergency powers allow rapid evacuations and lodging orders.
- On Saturday, British Columbia Premier David Eby declared a provincial state of emergency after a ferocious wildfire forced 20,000 people to evacuate two communities along Okanagan Lake.
- The Bald Range wildfire grew to about 9,500 hectares, burning out of control as hot, windy weather and long-standing drought conditions fueled the rapid spread.
- Summerland, home to about 12,000 residents, and Peachland, with about 6,500, lost power and issued boil water notices. Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes said, "We have to brace ourselves for the worst."
- Prime Minister Mark Carney said the federal government "stands ready to help and support the Government of British Columbia." Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene invoked emergency powers to restrict travel and commandeer accommodations.
- Over 100 wildfires are burning across British Columbia, contributing to 4 million hectares burned in Canada this year. Firefighters from Mexico, Australia, France, and New Zealand are assisting provincial crews.
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More than 20,000 people have been evacuated to the western province of British Columbia. The last three fire seasons have been among the most destructive ever recorded in Canada.
Raging wildfire forces 20,000 to flee in Canada
British Columbia declared a state of emergency as a fast-moving blaze almost doubled in size overnight A state of emergency was declared in the Canadian province of British Columbia on Saturday as thousands of people were forced to flee a fast-moving wildfire that nearly doubled in size overnight. The Bald Range wildfire was burning out...
Thousands of people had to leave their homes. Especially the wine and fruit growing region on Lake Okanagan is affected.
The Canadian province of British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in response to a massive wildfire. The blaze had already consumed over 10,000 hectares since the previous day and prompted mass evacuations. Despite the frequency of wildfires in the country, a state of emergency remains an exceptional measure and reflects the intensity of this fire.
British Columbia Declares State of Emergency as Fast-Moving Wildfire Forces 20,000 to Flee
A fast-moving Bald Range wildfire has forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate communities around Okanagan Lake in British Columbia. The province declared a state of emergency as strong winds drove the blaze toward Summerland and Peachland, while water bombers skimmed Okanagan Lake to battle the flames. More than 100 wildfires were burning across British Columbia, with nearly half reported out of control, as firefighters worked to protect home…
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