Due to strong winds on Friday evening, a forest fire quickly spread, with flames reaching the Samerland district and affecting communities located in the surrounding valleys.
“We know that significant damage was done to homes and property. We also know that some people were trapped as conditions changed rapidly,” British Columbia Premier David Eby said in a statement on Saturday.
“Air evacuation is underway for people who remain isolated outside the fire perimeter,” Eby stated.
A state of emergency was declared by the province’s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Preparedness Kelly Greene.
CTV News reported that due to the approaching flames, more than 50 people had to be evacuated by air from the Faulder community.
Read more Live broadcast interrupted by police: a gruesome incident at the home of a world-famous blogger
Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked firefighters and first responders on the social network X for their “tireless work to ensure people’s safety.”
“The federal government is ready to assist and support British Columbia authorities in these efforts. My thoughts are with everyone who has been forced to leave their homes, and I hope they can return safely soon,” Carney said.
The fire was first reported early Friday evening, and Eby warned on Saturday that the blaze “remains highly active and faces significant challenges.”
Read more The sixth anniversary of the Belarusian protests will be commemorated in Vilnius
