The district of Summerland in British Columbia issued evacuation orders on Saturday as the Bald Range wildfire continued to burn out of control across western Canada. A state of emergency was declared early that morning, and thousands of people have been displaced from their homes.
The orders affect the Peachland watershed, the Brenda Mines area, Lower Princeton and parts of its downtown core, according to Emergency Info BC. Residents in the affected areas were told to prepare to leave immediately as conditions changed rapidly.
Power loss and boil-water instruction
Summerland officials said the fire had caused a power outage in the area on Saturday. Residents were also instructed to boil water, adding disruptions to the evacuation warnings.
Summerland has about 12,000 residents, according to the 2021 census. The district is among the communities affected as the Bald Range wildfire spreads through the region.
Related coverage: Record wildfire seasons in Canada intensify demand for federal response agency.
Fire response across British Columbia
About 1,500 firefighters are deployed across British Columbia, which has issued 39 evacuation orders and 49 evacuation alerts. Firefighting teams from Mexico, Australia, France and New Zealand have also provided support to Canada.
British Columbia Premier David Eby said the province had sufficient resources and additional firefighters and aircraft available. He urged people in the affected area to follow official updates and leave immediately if ordered to evacuate.
Wildfires stretch across western Canada
Canada has faced a summer of large wildfires, including fires in Ontario and Quebec. To the south of British Columbia, large wildfires in Washington state have contributed to poor air quality across the region.
More context: Experts reject Trump’s accusations against Canada over wildfire smoke affecting US air quality.
Scientists have said climate change has worsened wildfire conditions in recent decades, while periods of extreme drought and heat have affected areas around the world. A recent record-setting heat dome in Canada and the United States helped dry vegetation and exacerbate fire conditions.
Also read: Toronto Experiences Hazardous Air Quality Due to Wildfire Smoke from Northwestern Ontario.
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