Wildfire forces 20,000 evacuations in western Canada

Canadian officials on Saturday declared a state of emergency after a fast-moving wildfire in the western province of British Columbia (BC) 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 on Friday, pushing flames into the Summerland area and affecting communities throughout the surrounding valleys.“We know there have been significant losses of homes and property. We also know that some people became trapped as conditions changed quickly,” British Columbia Premier David Eby said on Saturday. “Air evacuations are underway for people who remain isolated behind the fire perimeter.” People register at the Penticton Trade and Convention Center, to which evacuees from the Bald Range w