B.C. declares state of emergency as wildfires force 20,000 to evacuate
Summerland wildfire grows to 9,500 hectares; premier says conditions have never been seen before in the province.
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British Columbia declared a provincewide state of emergency Saturday after a wildfire forced more than 20,000 residents to flee their homes overnight.
The Bald Range wildfire grew rapidly, encroaching on the town of Summerland and surrounding areas in the Okanagan. The fire closed Highway 97 from Peachland to south of Summerland. Premier David Eby announced the declaration at a press conference, acknowledging the speed and scale of the evacuation.
"The stories that are starting to come out from Summerland are heroic," Eby said, praising firefighters and first responders. BC Wildfire director of operations Cliff Chapman stated that the conditions seen in Summerland have never been seen before in wildfires. During the emergency, aircraft were deployed to assist as conditions changed rapidly.
The state of emergency declaration gives the province additional tools to respond, including expanded funding for equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus and upgraded firefighting gear, broader access to personnel and heavy equipment, and expanded training facility resources. The province said it believes there are enough accommodations currently available for evacuees, though officials are continuing to assess shelter capacity.
By the numbers
How many people evacuated from the Bald Range wildfire?
More than 20,000 residents fled their homes overnight when the Bald Range wildfire forced evacuations in British Columbia on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
What size did the Summerland wildfire reach?
The Bald Range wildfire grew to 9,500 hectares as it encroached on Summerland and surrounding areas in the Okanagan region.
Which highway closed due to the wildfire?
Highway 97 closed from Peachland to south of Summerland due to the Bald Range wildfire.
