Canada’s federal government has stepped in to assist British Columbia as the rapidly spreading Bald Range wildfire continues to threaten communities around Summerland and Peachland.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski said the Government Operations Centre at Public Safety Canada had been directed to coordinate assistance with provincial authorities.

Support is expected to include shelter and temporary accommodation for residents forced to leave their homes.

Thousands remain displaced

The latest official estimates cited by Reuters placed approximately 18,000 people under evacuation orders. Earlier estimates had put the number of people evacuated or affected above 20,000 as orders changed rapidly across different communities.

The Bald Range fire has expanded beyond 10,300 hectares, or approximately 103 square kilometres.

Summerland and areas around Peachland remain among the worst affected. Residents have faced road closures, electricity disruption and emergency evacuation instructions as the fire moved through dry vegetation.

Smoke complicates firefighting operations

Firefighters are contending with extreme heat, dry weather, thick smoke and unstable winds.

Poor visibility, turbulence and the intensity of the flames have complicated aerial operations. Helicopters, including an aircraft equipped for night-vision operations, have been deployed to continue firefighting after dark where conditions permit.

Authorities have warned that fire-generated weather can produce sudden changes in wind direction and make evacuation routes dangerous.

International teams join response

Firefighting personnel from Mexico, Australia and New Zealand have joined Canadian crews. More assistance is expected as British Columbia battles multiple wildfires across the province.

Federal involvement marks a significant escalation in the emergency response. However, officials have not announced when residents will be allowed to return home.

The fire’s cause and the complete number of damaged buildings remain under assessment. Residents have been advised to rely on local emergency alerts rather than unofficial social-media information.