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Fast-moving wildfire in western Canada forces more than 20,000 people to evacuate
cbsnews.com • • world
Key Points:
- British Columbia declared a state of emergency after a fast-moving wildfire near Okanagan Lake destroyed homes and forced over 20,000 people to evacuate, with dozens rescued by aircraft.
- More than 100 wildfires are burning across the province, nearly half out of control due to hot, windy weather and prolonged drought, causing explosive fire conditions.
- The Bald Range wildfire rapidly expanded to over 39 square miles, generating its own weather system and lightning, and threatening multiple communities including Summerland and Peachland.
- Emergency officials and residents faced urgent evacuations, with some residents trapped and search-and-rescue teams actively working; a possible wildfire death is under investigation.
- The state of emergency grants authorities powers to restrict travel and secure accommodations for evacuees, while major highways in the region remain closed amid mass evacuations.
