British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Saturday after a fast-moving wildfire nearly doubled in size overnight, forcing thousands of people to evacuate communities in the province’s southern interior, according to Reuters. The Bald Range wildfire, burning out of control west of Okanagan Lake, had expanded to more than 10,300 hectares by Saturday night, prompting evacuation orders around Summerland, Peachland, and nearby areas. British Columbia Premier David Eby said the wildfire had created extreme conditions, with one fire official comparing it to “a bomb going off.” The state of emergency gives the provincial government special powers, including imposing travel restrictions, protecting essential supplies from price gouging, and coordinating emergency response efforts. The province has issued 40 evacuation orders and 49 evacuation alerts as hot, dry weather continues to fuel fire activity.