Fast-moving Canada wildfire doubles in size forcing thousands to flee homes

What the report says

A fast-moving wildfire in British Columbia has forced thousands of people to leave their homes after spreading quickly across the western Canadian province. BBC World News reported that the Bald Range fire doubled in size after being first detected on Friday and was still being described as out of control on Saturday morning.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the blaze had grown to more than 36 square miles, or 95 square kilometres, affecting the Summerland and Okanagan-Similkameen districts. Local emergency official Erick Thompson said the fire was among the fastest-moving and largest he had seen develop so quickly in the fire-prone region. Summerland, which has a population of about 12,000, was ordered to evacuate, along with roughly 8,000 residents in neighbouring Peachland.

Officials also said power was cut in Summerland as the fire advanced. The article noted that it was not yet clear how many structures had been destroyed. Residents in the wider Okanagan area were also trying to move horses and other animals out of harm’s way, highlighting the broader disruption caused by the fire.

The situation adds to wider concerns about wildfire risk in British Columbia, where dry conditions and difficult terrain can make containment challenging during peak fire season.