Mark Carney says federal government “stands ready to help” B.C. amid wildfire evacuations

After strong winds drove an uncontrolled wildfire in British Columbia, more than 20,000 residents were evacuated overnight and a provincial state of emergency was declared. The Bald Range blaze near Summerland had grown to roughly 10,341 hectares by early Sunday, according to the BC Wildfire Service. Premier David Eby said homes and property had been lost, some people were trapped, and air rescues were underway for those isolated by the flames. Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene issued the emergency declaration. Prime Minister Mark Carney responded on social media, thanking firefighters and first responders and saying the federal government is ready to help British Columbia, while adding that he was thinking of evacuees and hoping for their safe return.