More Than 20,000 People Flee Fires in One Night… What Happened in Canada?

Canadian officials declared a state of emergency after a fast-moving forest fire forced over 20,000 people to evacuate their homes overnight in British Columbia.

Strong winds ignited the "Baldy Range" fire and accelerated its spread late Friday evening, as flames reached the Sutherland area and impacted residential settlements in surrounding valleys.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said in a statement on Saturday: "We know there are significant losses to homes and property. We also know that some individuals are trapped due to rapidly changing conditions."

He added: "Aerial evacuations are underway for those still stranded beyond the fire’s perimeter."

Provincial Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene declared a state of emergency.

CTV News reported that over 50 people were evacuated by air from the Folded area as flames advanced.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted a thank-you message to firefighters on X, praising their efforts in "unrelenting work to keep people safe."

Carney said: "The federal government stands ready to provide support and assistance to the Government of British Columbia in these efforts. I am thinking of everyone forced to leave their homes, and I hope they can return safely soon."

The fire was first reported on Friday, and Eby warned on Saturday that the blaze "remains extremely active," noting that "significant challenges remain."