Wildfire forces 20,000 evacuations in western Canada
Victoria, Canada
An emergency vehicle passes cross a closed section of Highway 97 south of Peachland, British Columbia, Canada on Aug. 8, 2026. (AP)
Canadian officials declared a state of emergency on Aug. 8 after a fast-moving wildfire in the western province of British Columbia forced the overnight evacuation of more than 20,000 people, including some who were airlifted to safety.
Winds fanned the Bald Range wildfire to grow rapidly late Aug. 7, pushing flames into the Summerland area and affecting communities throughout the surrounding valleys.
