Over 20,000 people have been evacuated from British Columbia, Canada, due to a major wildfire. Authorities have declared a state of emergency.

In the Canadian province of British Columbia, over 20,000 people were evacuated on Friday due to a major wildfire that is spreading rapidly.

Authorities declared a state of emergency, and the provincial premier, David Eby, announced significant losses of homes and properties.

The Bald Range fire, located near Okanagan Lake, has already burned over 10,000 hectares, fueled by strong winds. Air evacuations are underway for isolated individuals, and over 50 people have been transported by helicopter from the town of Faulder.

The last three fire seasons have been extremely destructive in Canada, which is facing an acceleration of climate change. Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised support to the government of British Columbia, while the fire continues to pose a significant challenge for authorities. Canada, with a large portion of its boreal forests, 40% of which are unmanaged, is focusing on protecting populated areas, including indigenous communities.