Ottawa, Canada, August 10 (ANI): More than 20,000 residents in western Canada were forced to evacuate overnight as a rapidly expanding wildfire swept toward towns bordering British Columbia’s Okanagan Lake, burning structures in its path.
According to CNN, emergency evacuation orders covered the entire town of Summerland, which has a population of about 12,000, as well as approximately 8,000 residents in and around neighboring Peachland. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the property damage.
First reported Friday evening, the Bald Range wildfire expanded rapidly to roughly 50 square kilometers within hours. It overwhelmed the smaller community of Faulder before advancing approximately 15 kilometers to Summerland at remarkable speed, CNN reported.
In response to the growing crisis, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and federal emergency management officials pledged full federal support to assist British Columbia’s provincial response and coordinate relief efforts.
In a post on X, Carney expressed support for affected residents and emergency crews.
“Thousands of people in Summerland, British Columbia, are being evacuated due to intense wildfires threatening their community. To the brave firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety: thank you. The federal government is ready to assist the Government of British Columbia in these efforts. My thoughts are with all those who have been forced to leave their homes, in the hope that they can return safely soon,” he wrote.
“We’re working with the Government of British Columbia to support people who have been forced from their homes and communities across the province. To everyone impacted by these wildfires, and to the brave firefighters and first responders on the front lines: Canada is with you,” he added.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, Eleanor Olszewski, confirmed that the federal government had officially approved British Columbia’s request for emergency assistance to shelter displaced residents.
“Last night, I approved a Request for Federal Assistance from British Columbia to provide shelter and accommodations for people who have been forced to leave their homes due to wildfires across the province, especially those in the region around Summerland and Peachland,” Olszewski wrote on X.
“As a result, I have tasked federal officials, led by the Government Operations Centre at Public Safety Canada, to work with the Province to ensure support reaches those who need it most. The federal government is here to support British Columbia and everyone in the province impacted by this summer’s wildfires for as long as it takes. To the firefighters, first responders and volunteers working around the clock to keep people safe: thank you,” she added. (ANI)
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