British Columbia wildfire forces 20,000 evacuations

A fast-moving wildfire in British Columbia has forced the overnight evacuation of more than 20,000 people and prompted officials to declare a state of emergency.

Officials said winds pushed the Bald Range wildfire to grow rapidly late Friday, sending flames into the Summerland area and affecting communities in surrounding valleys.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said Saturday there had been “significant losses of homes and property” and that some people became trapped as conditions changed quickly. He said air evacuations were underway for people isolated behind the fire perimeter.

Kelly Greene, British Columbia's minister of emergency management and climate readiness, declared the state of emergency.

CTV News reported that more than 50 people had to be airlifted from Faulder as flames advanced.

Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked firefighters and first responders on X and said the federal government was ready to support British Columbia. Eby said the fire, first reported early Friday evening, remained active and that significant challenges remained.