British Columbia declared a state of emergency on Saturday due to the rapid advancement of over 100 wildfires across the province, with nearly half of them out of control in hot, windy weather and prolonged drought. The fires have destroyed homes, displaced thousands, and left dozens stranded, prompting rescue operations by aircraft. Premier David Eby announced the emergency declaration as communities along Okanagan Lake in western Canada faced an imminent threat, with Summerland and Peachland among the areas ordered evacuated. The Bald Range wildfire, first reported on Friday evening, has grown to over 100 square kilometers (39 square miles) and is racing towards Okanagan Lake, threatening more communities. Videos posted on social media depict homes burning as residents flee along roads engulfed by flames. Authorities are investigating a possible wildfire-related death near Summerland, while search-and-rescue crews continue to look for missing individuals. The state of emergency grants the province additional powers, including travel restrictions and securing accommodations for evacuees. Highway 97, a major route through the region, has been closed between Peachland and Penticton due to the influx of evacuees. Canada has witnessed increasingly devastating wildfire seasons in recent years, resulting in mass evacuations and smoke spreading across vast regions of both Canada and the United States.