Canada wildfire: 20,000 evacuated as fast-moving blaze spreads in British Columbia

Canada’s British Columbia has declared a state of emergency as the fast-moving Bald Range wildfire spreads near Summerland and Peachland.
More than 20,000 people have been evacuated, with residents given little time to prepare as the fire rapidly expanded. More than 1,500 firefighters are battling dozens of out-of-control fires across the province, while more than 100 wildfires are currently burning.
A major highway has been closed as emergency crews work to protect communities and homes.
Hot and dry summer conditions have fuelled wildfires across Canada, with about four million hectares already burned this year.
Authorities warn that weather conditions in the coming days could make the situation even worse.

Al Jazeera’s Ferdia Carr reports.
Emergency information officer Eric Thompson, who was among those evacuated, described the fire’s behavior as “unpredictable” and warned that “it just seems that every year is somewhat worse than the previous year.”

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