B.C. declares provincewide state of emergency amidst wildfires

B.C. declares provincewide state of emergency amidst wildfires

Over 100 fires are blazing across the province, over 21,000 people under evacuation orders

British Columbia is under a provincial state of emergency as of Saturday afternoon as over 100 wildfires rage across the province.

All 12,000 residents of the District of Summerland were ordered to leave their homes late Friday night as the Bald Range wildfire advanced quickly on the community.

According to the province, roughly 21,700 people are currently displaced from their homes across B.C. and an additional 9,700 people are on evacuation alert.

"Homes have been lost, and properties have been destroyed, some people became trapped as conditions changed," said Premier David Eby, speaking from downtown Vancouver on Saturday afternoon.

"To everyone affected, you are not alone. British Columbians are with you."

Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene said the province needs the tools and powers that a state of emergency allows so it can act at a moment's notice.

She said this includes commandeering accommodations or bringing in local travel restrictions in specific areas.

“There are people from every walk of life that are stepping up to do whatever they can to help their community. Thank you, from the province," she said.

WATCH | B.C. declares province-wide state of emergency:

Greene said those planning on travelling in B.C. should check Emergency Info B.C. and Drive B.C. beforehand.

Eby said those under evacuation orders should leave immediately to allow first responders to do their work.

"The stories that are starting to come out are heroic. Many people put themselves at risk to save others. We thank them for their courage," he said.

B.C. declares provincewide state of emergency as wildfires force thousands out of homes

Cliff Chapman with the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the Bald Range fire is one of the most challenging fires the service has ever faced.

"This is many peoples' worst nightmare," he said.

Chapman said crews continue to work around the clock on search and rescue efforts.

He described the conditions in the province as "explosive" and as "conditions we have never seen before."

Entire community of Summerland, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to fast-moving wildfire

Kevin Dunbar, director from the Ministry of Emergency Management said one of the biggest operational challenges with the evacuation is accommodation.

He is encouraging those who can stay with friends and family to do so.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a social media post today the federal government "stands ready to help" B.C.

He also thanked firefighters and first responders for "working tirelessly to keep people safe."

Michelle Gomez is a writer and reporter at CBC Vancouver. You can contact her at michelle.gomez@cbc.ca.