B.C. has declared a state of provincial emergency as the rapidly growing Bald Range wildfire threatens Summerland and forces thousands of people from their homes.
Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene said the declaration gives the province additional tools to respond as wildfire conditions worsen in the Okanagan and elsewhere in B.C.
“We are facing an intense and harrowing situation in the Summerland area, and it is so difficult to be evacuated and not know when you will be able to return, not know what you’ll be returning to, whether your home and your community will still be there, and the wait for news about the well-being of your loved ones can be absolutely devastating,” Greene said.
Greene said the scale and speed of the wildfire prompted the province to prepare to use emergency powers if necessary.
“With the large evacuation that we saw overnight and how quickly the wildfire situation is evolving in the Okanagan and also around the province, we know that we need the tools of a provincial state of emergency at the ready in case we need to enact those specific powers at a moment’s notice.”
A provincial state of emergency gives the province access to emergency powers that can include securing accommodation and imposing travel restrictions in certain circumstances.
No travel restrictions were in place at the time of the announcement, but officials asked people to avoid the Summerland area and consider travelling elsewhere in B.C.
Cliff Chapman of the BC Wildfire Service described the fire as one of the most challenging the agency has faced.
“This is many people’s worst nightmare, and as an organization, this is one of the more challenging fires that we have ever faced, and we’re only in our second operational period,” said Chapman.
He said the rapidly changing fire forced crews to shift from firefighting to evacuating residents.
“Our firefighting aircraft quickly became evacuation aircraft. Our firefighting response crews quickly started knocking on doors to get people out of the way.”
Chapman said crews were working to establish containment lines as conditions remained dangerous.
“The fire made a run directly to the lake, and today we are focused on trying to build containment lines.” He said. “The conditions we face in BC right now, in particular in the southern third, are explosive.”
“We’re continuing to do structure protection and structure defense, and we continue to do search and rescue efforts for those that are still behind the fire line.”
The Bald Range wildfire has grown to 10,340 hectares, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
‘Like a bomb going off in the Summerland region’
Premier David Eby described reports from the ground of flames reaching “two hundred feet” above the trees and “creating its own weather system.”
“British Columbians are waking up today to devastating news from the South Okanagan,” said Eby.
Eby said homes and other property had been lost and some people became trapped as conditions changed quickly.
“Our immediate priority is protecting lives and supporting rescue efforts. Air evacuations are underway for people who remain isolated behind the fire perimeter. Emergency officials are working around the clock to reach those who need help. We are receiving regular updates from incident commanders and co-ordinating resources across government to support the response.
He urged anyone under an evacuation order to leave immediately and follow instructions from local emergency officials.
“To people in affected areas: If you are under an evacuation order, leave immediately. These orders are issued to save lives. The conditions of this fire are extremely dangerous and are changing minute by minute. Follow the direction of local emergency officials so crews can do their work safely and effectively.
Officials said about 20,000 people had been forced to evacuate, making it the province’s largest evacuation event of the summer.
Kevin Dunbar, executive director of response and recovery operations at the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, said the number of people leaving their homes in such a short period was putting significant pressure on accommodation in the region.
Evacuees who can stay with family or friends are being encouraged to do so.
Emergency Support Services are available to evacuees who need accommodation, food, clothing and other necessities.
Greene said the province would continue supporting people affected by the emergency.
“These are challenging days for our province, and we will continue to do everything possible to keep people safe and supported.”
Evacuees needing government assistance are directed to register with Emergency Support Services or go to reception centres at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 550 Eckhardt Avenue W. in Penticton or the Westbank Lions Community Hall in West Kelowna.
Wildfire threat alive across B.C.
While attention remains focused on Summerland, other wildfires across the province are ever evolving.
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said B.C. had recorded 70 new fires over the previous seven days, bringing the number of active wildfires to 105.
“Heading into this fire season, we’ve worked to build up our provincial capacity, given the year of drought and heat we are experiencing. We knew this was going to be a challenging wildfire season.”
Parmar said the province had invested in equipment and infrastructure to increase its firefighting capacity and protect crews.
“We’ve made investments wherever possible to secure equipment and infrastructure needed to improve our response, keep personnel safe, and mitigate the potential impacts of wildfires.”
Officials warned that wildfire conditions remain volatile, particularly in southern B.C., as crews continue firefighting, evacuation, search-and-rescue and structure-protection operations.
Federal leaders weigh in
Federal leaders also responded to the wildfire and evacuations in Summerland.
In a social media statement, Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked first responders and said the federal government was ready to assist B.C.
“To the brave firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to keep people safe: thank you. The federal government stands ready to help and support the Government of British Columbia in these efforts. I’m keeping everyone forced from their homes in my thoughts and hoping they can return safely soon.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also issued a statement on social media.
“My thoughts are with everyone in the area of the devastating wildfire in Summerland. To the brave firefighters and first responders working tirelessly through the night, thank you for your efforts to protect lives, homes, and communities under incredibly dangerous conditions. Our prayers are with all those forced to evacuate to safety, and with everyone hoping their loved ones remain safe.”
– with files from Kolten Bezooyen
