VICTORIA – August 9, 2026 – British Columbia has declared a province-wide state of emergency as fast-moving wildfires force thousands from their homes.
The Bald Range fire near Summerland grew rapidly after being detected Friday, expanding to thousands of hectares and prompting a full evacuation of the community of roughly 12,000 people. Officials said the blaze spread more than 2,000 acres in about an hour at one point.
More than 18,000 people are now under evacuation orders across the province. The state of emergency gives authorities expanded powers to manage the response, including resource allocation and travel restrictions in affected areas.
Premier David Eby said the measure was necessary given the scale and speed of the fires. Conditions remain extreme across much of southern B.C.
About the Author
