A fast-spreading Bald Range wildfire in British Columbia, Canada, has forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate settlements around Okanagan Lake. The fire advanced toward Summerland and Peachland, burning several homes.
The evacuation order covered the entire city of Summerland, which has a population of about 12,000. Approximately 8,000 people living in Peachland and surrounding areas were also asked to leave.

Fire grew rapidly within hours
The wildfire, first reported on Friday evening, spread across 50 square kilometers within a few hours. The flames also affected the smaller settlement of Faulder.
Footage posted on social media showed homes burning and residents leaving the area. Heavy traffic formed on roads heading south toward Penticton as evacuees left the region.

Emergency information officer evacuated his family
Emergency information officer Erick Thompson described the wildfire as one of the fastest-moving and fastest-growing fires the region has seen. Thompson had to leave the emergency operations center to evacuate his family.
I had to leave the emergency operations center to pick up my family and get them out of the area. We are heading south.
Thompson urged residents to leave quickly and support neighbors who needed help.