Wildfire in western Canada nearly doubles in size as tens of thousands flee
- British Columbia declared a state of emergency after the Bald Range wildfire rapidly grew to 9,500 hectares (23,500 acres) overnight, prompting mass evacuations.
- Tens of thousands of residents, including those in Summerland and Peachland, were ordered to flee, making it the largest evacuation event in B.C. this summer.
- Premier David Eby said an official described the out-of-control blaze as “a bomb going off,” noting its intense flames and self-creating weather system, which has led to property destruction and trapped individuals.
- The wildfire has impacted Canada‘s second-largest wine-producing region, caused power outages, and led to a boil-water notice in Summerland.
- This incident is part of a broader trend of severe wildfires across Canada this year, with 4 million hectares burned nationally, and B.C. currently battling over 100 fires.
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