Monday, August 10, 2026 - More than 20,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as a fast-moving wildfire tears through British Columbia’s Okanagan region, prompting the province to declare a state of emergency.
The Bald Range wildfire nearly doubled in size overnight to about 9,500 hectares, sending flames rapidly toward communities including Summerland and Peachland and destroying homes and other properties.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of entire communities as firefighters struggle with explosive fire behaviour driven by hot, dry and windy conditions.
More than 100 wildfires are burning across British Columbia, with nearly half reported to be out of control. Emergency crews have been supported by personnel and aircraft from other countries as Canada confronts an exceptionally severe wildfire season.
The emergency has already taken a deadly turn, with police reporting that an 80-year-old woman died in the Bald Range wildfire, marking the first confirmed fatality linked to the blaze.
Officials are urging residents in threatened areas to follow evacuation orders immediately as dangerous conditions continue and more people remain on alert for possible evacuation.
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