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

CANADA-WILDFIRES:British Columbia district declares state of emergency, issues evacuation orders as wildfire rages

A state of emergency was declared by the district of Summerland, British Columbia, early Saturday as a fast-moving wildfire ​swept through western Canada, forcing thousands of residents to ‌evacuate their homes.

The Bald Range fire, which started on Friday, has burned more than 23,000 acres near the Districts of Summerland and Peachland in British Columbia, 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

TORONTO, Aug 8 - A state of emergency was declared by the district of Summerland, British Columbia, early Saturday as a fast-moving wildfire swept through western Canada, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

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.