B.C. declares emergency as Bald Range fire forces mass evacuation

British Columbia declared a provincial state of emergency Saturday as the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland expanded to an estimated 10,340 hectares in less than 24 hours and evacuation orders affected more than 20,000 people.

The fire was discovered around 5:30 p.m. Friday. BC Wildfire Service initially described aggressive rank 5 behaviour, though activity had decreased to rank 2 and 3 early Saturday. The service said increased activity was reported on the south flank near Shingle Creek, with west-northwest winds pushing the fire southeast. Fifty-five people were airlifted from Faulder as the fire spread.

Premier David Eby and Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene said the emergency declaration permits measures such as travel restrictions, requisitioning accommodation, fuel rationing and action against price gouging if needed. Greene urged people to avoid Summerland and other fire-affected areas; federal assistance requests were still being worked out.

BC Wildfire Service director Cliff Chapman said drought-dried fuels and gusty winds had created explosive conditions in southern B.C. Crews from several agencies evacuated people, deployed structure protection and fought the fire overnight. Saturday’s work included building containment lines, protecting structures and searching for anyone behind the fire line.