Fast-moving Canada wildfire doubles in size forcing thousands to flee homes
The Bald Range wildfire in British Columbia, still considered "out of control", has spread to more than 36 sq miles (95 sq km).
A rapidly advancing wildfire in a secluded area of western Canada has expanded significantly, compelling thousands to evacuate their residences. Since its detection on Friday, the blaze has doubled in size.
The Bald Range fire now encompasses over 36 square miles (95 sq km) across British Columbia's Summerland and Okanagan-Similkameen districts, as reported by the BC Wildfire Service.
Erick Thompson, an emergency official with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, characterized this as one of the "quickest-moving, largest fires in such a short time" he has witnessed in this fire-prone region. As of Saturday morning, the fire remained "out of control."
The Bald Range wildfire, pictured from a vehicle, burns northwest of Summerland, British Columbia, Canada.
The entire population of Summerland, approximately 12,000 people, received evacuation orders as the fire approached, along with about 8,000 residents from neighboring Peachland. Summerland also experienced a power outage, according to city officials early Saturday.
On Friday evening, Thompson had been providing updates on the fast-spreading fire from the emergency operations centre. However, in a video posted from his car the following morning, he stated he had departed the center to evacuate his own family.
"I had to leave the EOC to come and get my family to leave this area. We're heading south," he explained.
The number of structures destroyed by the blaze was not yet clear.
The Okanagan region also has a large horse population, and residents have been struggling to evacuate them. Those unable to rescue their animals left their gates open, hoping the animals would find safety on their own, local residents informed Canadian broadcaster CBC. Some owners also marked their animals with paint to facilitate later identification, CBC reported.
In related news, the BBC reported from a Spokane neighborhood "wiped out" by fires. Additionally, Toronto, New York, and Washington topped the list of most polluted cities due to ongoing wildfires.