B.C. Wildfire Forces Evacuations, Doubles to 9,500 Hectares

British Columbia declared a state of emergency Saturday, ordering thousands of residents to leave as a wildfire in the Okanagan region doubled in size. The Bald Range fire grew to about 9,500 hectares, officials said, threatening communities and cutting power to some areas.

The fast-moving blaze prompted evacuation orders across several towns. Emergency crews are working to contain the fire, though shifting winds and dry conditions have made progress difficult. Power outages affected parts of the region as the fire damaged infrastructure.