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Thousands evacuated as wildfire doubles in size in western Canada
Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes after a fast-moving wildfire in western Canada more than doubled in size within a day.
The Bald Range fire had spread to more than 36 sq miles (95 sq km) across the Summerland and Okanagan-Similkameen districts of British Columbia, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The fire was first detected on Friday and had grown rapidly by Saturday morning, when officials said it remained out of control.
Erick Thompson, an emergency official with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, described it as one of the “quickest-moving, largest fires in such a short time” he had seen in the fire-prone region.
Authorities have ordered thousands of residents to evacuate as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
Officials have warned that dry conditions and strong winds could make it difficult to control the fire and increase the risk of further spread.