A fast-moving wildfire in western Canada has forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes, with the Bald Range fire in British Columbia now spread across more than 36 square miles and still considered out of control.
Live updates
Loading updates…
Key facts
- Thousands of people have been evacuated as a fast-moving wildfire sweeps through western Canada.
- The Bald Range wildfire is located in British Columbia.
- The fire has spread to more than 36 sq miles (95 sq km), according to the BBC.
- The fire is still considered 'out of control'.
- The blaze has doubled in size, according to the BBC.
A fast-moving wildfire has swept through western Canada, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes, according to Sky News.
The blaze, identified as the Bald Range wildfire, is burning in British Columbia. According to the BBC, the fire is still considered “out of control”.
The BBC reports that the wildfire has doubled in size, spreading to more than 36 square miles (95 sq km).
The scale and speed of the fire’s growth prompted the mass evacuation of residents from affected areas as the flames continued to advance.
Authorities have not, in the sources available, provided further detail on the number of properties affected or the timeline for containment.
Why it matters
Wildfires that spread rapidly can force large numbers of people from their homes with little warning and put lives, property and local infrastructure at risk. The rapid doubling in size of the Bald Range fire underlines the challenge facing firefighting crews and the communities in its path.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the wildfire burning?
The Bald Range wildfire is burning in British Columbia, in western Canada, according to the BBC.
How big is the fire?
According to the BBC, the fire has spread to more than 36 square miles (95 sq km) and has doubled in size.
Is the fire under control?
No. The BBC reports the Bald Range wildfire is still considered 'out of control'.
Timeline
- Wildfire forces thousands of evacuations in Western Canada
Al Jazeera: A fast-moving wildfire has forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate parts of British Columbia’s Okanagan region.
- Fast-moving Canada wildfire doubles in size forcing thousands to flee homes
BBC World: The Bald Range wildfire in British Columbia, still considered "out of control", has spread to more than 36 sq miles (95 sq km).
- Thousands evacuated as huge wildfire spreads in Canada
Sky News: A fast-moving wildfire has swept through western Canada, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes.