20k flee western Canada as wildfires threaten several communities

The western Canadian province of British Columbia declared a provincial state of emergency on Saturday as fast-spreading wildfires threatened several communities.

Premier David Eby said the decision was necessary given the dynamic wildfire situation and overnight large-scale evacuations, which required specific tools to ensure public safety.

He went on to stress that saving lives is a priority and that air evacuations are underway to rescue people cut off by the flames.

The state of emergency will grant the government greater flexibility to respond to the crisis, including the authority to commandeer accommodations and impose local travel restrictions.

The entire community of Summerland, home to about 12,000 people, was ordered evacuated overnight, along with about 8,000 people in and around nearby Peachland. Officials had not determined how many homes were destroyed.

Many evacuees have made their way to the town of Penticton.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on social media later Saturday that the federal government stands ready to offer full support to BC in its firefighting and relief efforts.

More than 20k evacuates in western Canada as wildfire as BC declares state of emergency.