A massive wildfire in British Columbia’s Okanagan region has forced thousands to evacuate as it rapidly spread toward the town of Summerland. The Bald Range fire, which ignited near Summerland on Friday afternoon, has grown to over 100 square kilometers by Saturday afternoon, prompting emergency measures and widespread displacement.
Residents, including Calgary resident Matt Strickland, who was camping with friends in the area, described a frantic escape as the fire moved quickly. “The sky was glowing red,” Strickland recounted, highlighting the intensity of the blaze. The situation escalated rapidly, with the province declaring a state of emergency and Summerland being completely evacuated.
Authorities reported that over 20,000 residents were forced to leave their homes, some by helicopter, as the fire surged toward communities on the western side of Okanagan Lake. Livestock and animals were also at risk, with groups working to rescue them amid the chaos.
The fire’s rapid expansion has raised concerns about the safety of nearby areas, with officials warning that the situation remains critical. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation and assist evacuees.
