BREAKING: B.C. declares state of emergency as thousands flee Summerland due to wildfire
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VANCOUVER — Officials have now announced a B.C.-wide state of emergency with over 100 wildfires burning in the province as of Saturday, including a devastating blaze that threatened Summerland and Peachland overnight.
“Since first reported early yesterday evening, the Bald Range wildfire has grown rapidly as winds intensified, pushing into the Summerland area and affecting communities throughout the surrounding valleys,” said Premier David Eby. “We know there have been significant losses of homes and property. We also know that some people became trapped as conditions changed quickly. To everyone affected, you are not facing this alone – the entire province is with you.”
Cliff Chapman, BCWS director of wildfire operations, said conditions in the province, especially in the southern third, are “explosive.”
“The conditions we are facing right now are conditions we have never faced before,” said BCWS director of wildfire operations. “When we see a fire start, when we see the smoke lift, we are going to be challenged, and we may see fires do what we saw on this fire last night.”
