【ANN NEWS, BRITISH COLUMBIA】
Wildfires continue to worsen in western Canada. On August 8 local time, the Bald Range wildfire in British Columbia nearly doubled in size overnight, rapidly expanding to about 9,500 hectares（approximately 23,500 acres）. Evacuation orders were issued for Summerland, Peachland and several areas west of Okanagan Lake, with thousands of residents ordered to evacuate immediately.
Summerland has declared a state of emergency.
Footage from the scene showed hillsides illuminated by raging flames at night, with thick smoke continuously rising from behind the ridges. Some residents who received evacuation orders around midnight drove toward Kelowna overnight to escape the area.
Wildfire Nearly Doubles in Size Overnight
The Bald Range wildfire remains out of control.
The latest data show that the fire has expanded to about 9,500 hectares, up from a previously reported area of about 5,000 hectares, meaning the blaze nearly doubled in size within a short period.
Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes said a number of farms have already been affected, while it remains unclear how many structures have been destroyed. Firefighters are continuing their efforts to battle the blaze.
Summerland is an important agricultural and wine-producing area with a population of about 12,000, while neighboring Peachland has about 6,500 residents.
Power Outage! Drinking Water Also Affected
As the wildfire approaches, infrastructure in Summerland has also begun to suffer serious impacts.
The community experienced a power outage on Saturday due to the wildfire. At the same time, the threat from the fire prevented the water treatment facility from operating under normal procedures, allowing untreated water to enter the water supply system.
Local authorities therefore issued a Boil Water Notice, advising residents to boil tap water before drinking it.
This means the impact of the wildfire now extends beyond evacuations, with the local power supply and drinking water safety also affected.
More Than 100 Wildfires Burning Across British Columbia
Persistent hot and dry weather is further worsening the wildfire situation in British Columbia.
There are currently more than 100 wildfires burning across the province, with about 1,500 firefighters deployed in different areas to battle the blazes.
Several Canadian provinces have experienced severe wildfires this year, including Ontario and Quebec.
To assist Canada in fighting the fires, countries including Mexico, Australia, France and New Zealand have also deployed firefighting personnel.
About 4 Million Hectares Burned Across Canada This Year
According to the latest data, wildfires across Canada have burned about 4 million hectares, equivalent to approximately 9.9 million acres, so far this year.
With hot and dry weather continuing, new fires could still break out.
The Bald Range wildfire remains uncontrolled, and whether evacuation zones in Summerland and surrounding areas will be expanded further remains under close watch.
