has declared a state of provincial emergency as the rapidly growing Bald Range wildfire threatens Summerland and forces thousands of people from their homes. Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene said the declaration gives the province additional tools to respond as wildfire conditions worsen in the Okanagan and elsewhere in B.C. Greene said the scale and speed of the wildfire prompted the province to prepare to use emergency powers if necessary. “With the large evacuation that we saw overnight and how quickly the wildfire situation is evolving in the Okanagan and also around the province, we know that we need the tools of a provincial state of emergency at the ready in case we need to enact those specific powers at a moment’s notice.” A provincial state of emergency gives the province access to emergency powers that can include securing accommodation and imposing travel restrictions in certain circumstances.