Bald Range Wildfire Forces Evacuation of 18,000 in British Columbia

The Bald Range fire has burned more than 25,000 acres in British Columbia. At one point, the fire spread more than 2,000 acres in about an hour, officials said.

Authorities warn residents to be prepared to leave their homes as fast-moving wildfires spread across western Canada.

British Columbia district declares state of emergency, issues evacuation orders as wildfire rages  Reuters

A statement from the region’s emergency management centre says officials are aware some residents have chosen to stay behind, despite orders covering more than 2,600 properties on the west side of Okanagan Lake.

Officials urging British Columbia residents to obey wildfire evacuation orders  Toronto Star

The organization (COEM) said it has become aware that some residents remained behind and said that an evacuation order is not a suggestion; it is a life-safety measure.