declares state of emergency after wildfire expands as thousands 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. Wildfire Service (Mandatory Credit)Share this story:SUMMERLAND — British Columbia Premier David Eby says the province has declared a state of emergency after a ferocious wildfire forced 20,000 people out of two communities along Okanagan Lake. Cliff Chapman, the director of wildfire operations with BC Wildfire Services, says firefighting helicopters were instead used for search and rescue operations for those who could no longer get out.