B.C. declares province-wide state of emergency amidst wildfires
British Columbia is under a provincial state of emergency as of Saturday afternoon as over 100 wildfires rage across the province.
About 20,000 people were evacuated in the last 24 hours alone as the fast-moving Bald Range fire rages in the Okanagan.
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According to the province, roughly 21,700 people are currently displaced from their homes across B.C. and an additional 9,700 people are on evacuation alert.
"Homes have been lost, and properties have been destroyed, some people became trapped as conditions changed," said Premier David Eby, speaking from downtown Vancouver on Saturday afternoon.
"To everyone affected, you are not alone. British Columbians are with you."
Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene said the province needs the tools and powers that a state of emergency allows so it can act at a moment's notice.
She said this includes commandeering accommodations or bringing in local travel restrictions in specific areas.
“There are people from every walk of life that are stepping up to do whatever they can to help their community. Thank you, from the province," she said.
Greene said those planning on travelling in B.C. should check Emergency Info B.C. and Drive B.C. beforehand.
Eby said those under evacuation orders should leave immediately to allow first responders to do their work.
"The stories that are starting to come out are heroic. Many people put themselves at risk to save others. We thank them for their courage," he said.
Cliff Chapman with the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the Bald Range fire is one of the most challenging fires the service has ever faced.
"This is many peoples' worst nightmare," he said.
Chapman said crews continue to work around the clock on search and rescue efforts.
He described the conditions in the province as "explosive" and as "conditions we have never seen before."
Kevin Dunbar, director from the Ministry of Emergency Management said one of the biggest operational challenges with the evacuation is accommodation.
He is encouraging those who can stay with friends and family to do so.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a social media post today the federal government "stands ready to help" B.C.
He also thanked firefighters and first responders for "working tirelessly to keep people safe."
This article, written by Michelle Gomez, was originally published by CBC News on Aug. 8, 2026.