British Columbia has declared a state of emergency as a fast-moving wildfire destroyed homes and forced more than 20,000 people to leave communities near Okanagan Lake.
Premier David Eby announced the emergency Saturday as more than 100 wildfires burned across the province. Nearly half were considered out of control as hot, windy and dry conditions continued.
The entire community of Summerland, home to about 12,000 people, was ordered to evacuate overnight. About 8,000 people in and around nearby Peachland were also told to leave.
Officials had not yet confirmed how many homes were destroyed.
Eby said some people became trapped and had to be rescued. Search-and-rescue crews were also checking areas behind the fire lines for anyone who may still be missing.
The Bald Range wildfire was first reported Friday evening. It grew to about 50 square kilometres within hours, spreading from the Faulder area toward Summerland at a rapid pace.
BC Wildfire Service officials called the conditions “explosive” and warned other communities could face similar threats.
Firefighting helicopters were used to rescue people who could no longer escape by road.
The state of emergency gives the province additional powers, including restricting travel and finding accommodations for evacuees.
Residents described fleeing as flames spread quickly. Videos shared online appeared to show homes burning as people drove away with fires on both sides of the road.
B.C. has faced increasingly severe wildfire seasons in recent years, leading to large evacuations and sending wildfire smoke across Canada and parts of the United States.
