B.C. declares State of Emergency as wildfire forces mass evacuations, possible fatality under investigation

RCMP say officers are working closely with the affected family as the investigation continues.

Premier David Eby announced the provincial state of emergency, saying emergency officials advised that additional powers and resources were needed as the wildfire expanded and large-scale evacuations unfolded overnight.

“British Columbians are waking up today to devastating news from the South Okanagan,” Eby said in a statement. He noted there had been significant losses of homes and property and acknowledged that some residents became trapped as the situation deteriorated.

Eby later said he had been briefed on the fire’s explosive growth and was told the wildfire’s advance was “like a bomb” going off.

The state of emergency declaration enables emergency officials to access critical tools and resources more quickly as they coordinate the response across affected communities.

Throughout the night, BC Wildfire Service crews, RCMP officers, emergency management personnel and local volunteers worked to move residents out of harm’s way and protect threatened neighbourhoods. Helicopters that had been assigned to firefighting operations were redirected to rescue missions, airlifting dozens of people to safety from areas cut off by the fire.

“Our immediate priority is protecting lives and supporting rescue efforts,” Eby said.

Air evacuations remain underway for people still isolated behind the fire perimeter, while emergency crews continue to monitor the highly active wildfire.

Officials are also focused on supporting evacuees. The province says accommodations and assistance are being coordinated with local governments and emergency support agencies, with residents encouraged to stay with family or friends when possible.

Authorities continue to urge residents under evacuation orders to leave immediately, warning that fire behaviour remains extreme and conditions can change minute by minute. As crews battle the wildfire around the clock, officials say the coming days will remain challenging for affected communities across the Okanagan.

by CKPG News

B.C. declares State of Emergency as wildfire forces mass evacuations, possible fatality under investigation

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