Canada: British Columbia declares emergency as fires spread

Canadian officials in the province of British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Saturday following a dramatic escalation in wildfire activity. A fast-moving blaze, identified as the Bald Range wildfire, was fanned by strong winds late Friday, pushing flames rapidly into the Summerland area and prompting urgent overnight evacuations.

More than 20,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the crisis. Across the western province, authorities are actively working to contain a total of 105 out-of-control blazes that continue to threaten communities and infrastructure.