Archive · 9 Aug 2026
British Columbia Declares State of Emergency, Wildfire Forces 20,000 Evacuations
A very big fire, called the Bald Range wildfire, started in British Columbia, Canada.
The wind blew hard, so the fire grew really fast and spread toward towns and homes.
More than 20,000 people had to leave their homes in a hurry.
Some houses and farms were damaged or burned, and a few people got stuck near the fire.
Helpers used planes to rescue more than 50 people from a town called Faulder.
The leader of British Columbia, David Eby, said the fire is still very dangerous.
The province declared a state of emergency so everyone can work together and stay safe.
The leader of Canada, Mark Carney, said the whole country will help.
Firefighters are working day and night to keep people safe.
British Columbia declared a state of emergency Saturday after the fast-moving Bald Range wildfire forced more than 20,000 people from their homes.
The fire grew to about 9,500 hectares (23,500 acres) and triggered evacuation orders in Summerland, Peachland and other areas west of Okanagan Lake.
Premier David Eby confirmed significant losses of homes and property, and more than 50 people were airlifted from Faulder as flames advanced.
Summerland lost power and issued a boil-water notice after untreated water entered its system because of the wildfire.
Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked firefighters and first responders, while about 1,500 personnel battled more than 100 B.C. fires.
- Who
- More than 20,000 British Columbia residents were evacuated; Premier David Eby, Minister Kelly Greene, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and fire officials led the response.
- What
- The fast-moving Bald Range wildfire forced mass overnight evacuations, destroyed homes and property, and triggered a provincial state of emergency.
- When
- The fire was first reported early Friday evening, grew rapidly overnight, and the state of emergency was declared Saturday.
- Where
- British Columbia, Canada — Summerland, Peachland and other districts west of Okanagan Lake in the province's southern interior.
- Why
- Strong winds fanned the Bald Range wildfire, which officials likened to "a bomb going off" and said was creating its own weather system, spreading flames toward communities.
- Evacuations
- More than 20,000 people
- Fire name
- Bald Range wildfire
- Fire size
- About 9,500 hectares (23,500 acres)
- Emergency
- Provincial state of emergency declared Saturday
- Air evacuations
- More than 50 people airlifted from Faulder
- B.C. wildfire response
- About 1,500 personnel battling more than 100 fires; 40 evacuation orders and 49 alerts
- Local impacts
- Summerland lost power and issued a boil-water notice
- Federal response
- Prime Minister Mark Carney offered federal support
