British Columbia has declared a state of emergency as more than 100 wildfires rage across the province. Premier David Eby announced the emergency, noting that nearly half of the blazes are out of control due to prolonged drought and hot, windy weather.
More than 20,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes in western Canada as fast-moving wildfires race toward towns along Okanagan Lake and through the Okanagan Valley. These fires have already destroyed homes in their path, and authorities are warning other residents to remain prepared to leave.
The Bald Range fire, first reported Friday evening, has burned more than 23,000 acres near the districts of Summerland and Peachland. The fire doubled in size overnight, leading the district of Summerland to declare its own state of emergency early Saturday.
This increase in wildfire activity in British Columbia comes weeks after smoke from blazes in Ontario choked the East Coast.