British Columbia Wildfire Forces Mass Evacuations, Federal Assistance Announced

British Columbia is battling 102 wildfires, with nearly half classified as 'out of control,' prompting the federal government to step in with urgent assistance. The fast-moving Bald Range wildfire has forced approximately 22,000 people to evacuate, with the fire spreading over 53 square miles (136 square km) and growing rapidly—at one point expanding more than 2,000 acres in about an hour. A state of emergency has been declared as the province faces unprecedented fire conditions.