Massive wildfire engulfs western Canada, thousands evacuated

A rapidly spreading wildfire has engulfed parts of western Canada, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes.

Around 22,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, while another 9,700 have been warned to be prepared to leave their homes, according to The Guardian.

The wildfire prompted authorities in British Columbia to declare a state of emergency. As part of the response, officials ordered the entire city of Summerland, home to around 12,000 people, to evacuate overnight, along with around 8,000 residents of Peachland and surrounding areas.

Emergency responders have already described the massive blaze as “explosive.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada