The Bald Range wildfire, which has affected communities around Okanagan Lake, forced more than 20,000 people to leave the area in Canada’s British Columbia province. Some homes burned as the flames advanced toward Summerland and Peachland.
An evacuation order was issued for the entire city of Summerland, which has a population of about 12,000. Around 8,000 people in Peachland and surrounding areas were also asked to leave their communities.

The flames spread across 50 square kilometers within hours
The Bald Range wildfire, first reported on Friday evening, reached an area of 50 square kilometers in a short time. The smaller community of Faulder was also affected by the fire.
Videos posted on social media showed homes burning and residents leaving the communities. Evacuating vehicles caused heavy traffic on roads heading south and toward Penticton.

Official left operations center to evacuate his family
Emergency information official Erick Thompson described the wildfire as one of the fastest-moving and fastest-growing fires the region has ever seen. Thompson had to leave the emergency operations center to evacuate his family.
I had to leave the emergency operations center to pick up my family and get them out of this area. We are heading south.
Thompson urged residents to leave without delay and support neighbors who needed help.