declares state of emergency as wildfire expands and thousands are evacuatedBy Canadian Press on August 8, 2026. The Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland, B.C., is shown in this Friday handout photo. Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit) The Bald Range wildfire west of Summerland, B.C., is shown in this Friday handout photo. Cliff Chapman, the director of wildfire operations with the BC Wildfire Service, said during the briefing that firefighting helicopters were diverted to rescue residents cut off by flames of the Bald Range fire. The wildfire service said the cause of the Bald Range fire was under investigation.