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Fast-moving Canada wildfire doubles in size forcing thousands to flee homes
A rapidly spreading wildfire in British Columbia has forced thousands of people to evacuate, including the entire town of Summerland. The Bald Range fire doubled in size after being detected on Friday and remained out of control on Saturday, highlighting the speed and danger of fires in the region.
The fire has burned more than 36 square miles (95 sq km) across the Summerland and Okanagan-Similkameen districts. Around 12,000 Summerland residents and 8,000 people in nearby Peachland were ordered to leave, while Summerland also lost power. Officials had not confirmed structural damage, and residents were struggling to evacuate horses and other animals.
In short
- Wildfire doubles in size in British Columbia
- About 20,000 people ordered to evacuate
- Fire remains out of control
Explained simply
Wildfires are a recurring risk in British Columbia, where hot, dry weather and wind can help fires spread quickly through forest and grassland. Local authorities issue evacuation orders when a fire threatens homes or makes an area unsafe, and residents may need to leave at short notice.
Summerland and Peachland are communities in the Okanagan Valley, in the province’s interior. The area includes homes, farms and natural landscapes, so a large fire can affect residents, animals, power supplies and nearby districts.