# Wildfires: British Columbia declares state of emergency as thousands flee homes

https://mins.news/en/item/17360

- France 24, 2026-08-09 08:58 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.france24.com/en/wildfires-british-columbia-declares-state-of-emergency-thousands-forced-to-flee-homes

> Canada’s British Columbia has declared a state of emergency after a fast-moving wildfire forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate overnight. Officials say strong winds drove the flames to spread quickly. They warn that major challenges remain in bringing the blaze under control. The latest report follows the wildfire’s rapid advance and the large-scale evacuation. Simon Moritz reports from the scene.

## Stories

- [British Columbia wildfires](https://mins.news/en/topic/british-columbia-wildfires) — Markdown: https://mins.news/en/topic/british-columbia-wildfires.md

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