Wildfire in western British Columbia forced thousands of residents to evacuate and killed one person. The fire covered 53 square miles (136 sq km) near Summerland and had doubled in size since it was first detected on Friday. A provincial state of emergency was declared, giving the government authority to restrict travel and protect supplies.

The blaze is part of a series of wildfires that have burned across Canada this summer, with nearly 200 active fires in Ontario in July and smoke that reached parts of the United States.

Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes said the community must brace for the worst. Premier David Eby said a fire official likened the fire to a bomb going off. Police reported the death of an 80‑year‑old woman from Meadow Valley while she attempted to flee, and said they believe the death resulted from the wildfire. Resident Grace Eliza Goodwin said she evacuated with seven others and has not been able to return, describing the uncertainty as scary. Earl Kurz, a Peachland resident, said he saw the sky turn grey and was ordered to evacuate after police knocked on his door. Hundreds of residents in care facilities were relocated by Interior Health. More than 20,000 people across British Columbia have evacuated, including about 12,000 in Summerland and 6,500 in Peachland. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of structures destroyed.

Officials continue to monitor the fire and assess the extent of property loss as residents await guidance on returning home.