A major wildfire in British Columbia's Okanagan has more than doubled in size this weekend, and the province has added to a large number of evacuations, according to a report by CBC News. More than 5,000 people have been forced from their homes.
Two out-of-control wildfires are burning west of Okanagan Lake, including the Bradley Creek Fire, which has doubled in size this weekend, according to the report. Some 5,000 people across BC have been forced out in the past 24 hours, the vast majority from these Okanagan fires.
The Okanagan Indian Band ordered the complete evacuation of its main reserve, putting more than 3,000 people out of their homes, according to CBC News. The province told the broadcaster that thousands more properties are under alert.
Widespread power outages and road closures have been reported throughout the Okanagan, according to the report. Residents described being given little time to leave, with one evacuee saying she grabbed only some files and her passports before fleeing.
The BC Wildfire Service says winds between 80 and 100 kilometres an hour make it unusually difficult to fight these fires, according to CBC News. An official said crews were seeing fuel conditions and fire growth never experienced in BC before, because of the drought conditions.
Strong winds pushed the fires toward communities near Okanagan Lake, according to the report. Officials said the danger would have to pass before the damage could be assessed.
August is normally British Columbia's hottest month, and that has the province worried, according to CBC News. Officials anticipate a return to dry and windy conditions, lightning and more fires in what has already been a devastating fire season for the province.