Provincial State of Emergency issued in response to Bald Range wildfire

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“This new fire marks a significant shift in the overall fire situation in our province,” Eby said during an emergency press conference Saturday.

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“Today, based on our advice from emergency officials, [Kelly Green, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness], issued a Provincial State of Emergency.”

The issuance of the Provincial State of Emergency will ensure emergency responders will have the tools they need to action the blaze.

“With the large evacuation we saw overnight, and how quickly the wildfire situation is evolving in the Okanagan, and also around the province, we know that we need the tools of a Provincial State of Emergency at the ready in case we need to enact those specific powers at a moment’s notice,” Greene said during Saturday’s conference.

“It will give us the ability to do things like commandeer accommodations, or bring in local travel restrictions if it should become necessary. [As of 1 p.m. Saturday] there are no travel restrictions in place, but at this time we’re asking everyone to avoid travel to Summerland and affected communities given the large-scale evacuation and the number of people and emergency crews on the move.

“We will not hesitate to take further steps under the State of Emergency, should that become necessary.”

Greene added people should check EmergencyInfoBC and DriveBC before getting behind the wheel to go on trips.

Eby went on to say the province’s “sole focus is on saving lives and supporting rescue efforts,” stating people who were trapped due to the blaze were being airlifted out of the area while provincial resources were tapped to battle the fires on the frontlines in coordination with local municipalities and Incident Commanders.

Cliff Chapman, Director of Provincial Operations for the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), said provincial and local fire crews, first responders and others were quick to respond to the fast moving Bald Range fire Friday and Saturday to save people in need.

“Our firefighting aircraft quickly became evacuation aircraft, our firefighting response crews quickly started knocking on doors to get people out of the way,” Chapman stated.

“We worked through the night to continue that effort with all agencies involved, and I feel very strongly that many lives were saved because of the efforts of so many agencies.”

The BCWS spokesperson added the provincial firefighting agency was responding to the blaze with an Incident Management Team, firefighting teams who worked through the night and into Saturday, and was working with local fire departments and contractors to support response to the situation.

The focus of the firefighters Saturday was put on building containment lines, structure protection and defense, and search and rescue efforts for those still trapped behind the fire line. 

Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests and Minister Responsible for the BCWS, stated an estimated 50 people had been airlifted out of harm’s way of the fire as of time of publication.

Chapman added conditions across B.C. pose a high risk of a wildfire sparking and spreading rapidly, as it did outside Summerland, and both he and the Premier urged people to obey Evacuation Orders.

“These orders save lives. They allow wildfire crews and RCMP officers to focus their efforts where they’re needed. Conditions are extremely dangerous and changing minute by minute, the fires are moving incredibly quickly. Please follow the directions of local officials,” Eby stated.

“We do not take these decisions lightly, we make those recommendations based on life, based on saving lives. [Friday] night is an example of us having to put in a recommended Evacuation Order to save lives, and thankfully all agencies came together to do so,” Chapman said.

People under Evacuation Alerts were also urged to have grab-and-go bags packed and that they be ready to leave should they be escalated to Orders.

Eby went on to say he knows people were facing “unimaginable” times, having lost homes, been displaced, and having concerns about their loved ones. Emergency accommodations and assistance were being provided through Emergency Support Services. People can also contact the B.C. Evacuee Helpline for additional assistance at 1-800-387-4258.

The provincial officials also thanked the first responders, healthcare providers, volunteers and residents, and tourism and hotel and accommodation sectors who were doing their part to help people in need. 

With this wildfire near Summerland, more than 20,000 British Columbians had been evacuated across the province due to wildfires this summer.