The western Canadian province of British Columbia has declared a state of emergency after a fast-moving wildfire forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate overnight. Officials said strong winds helped the flames spread quickly, and significant challenges remain to bring the blaze under control. Premier David Eby and emergency officials are scheduled to provide an update Saturday.
The emergency declaration came as several other Canadian municipalities also declared states of emergency due to heavy rain. In Ontario, the city of St. Catharines declared a state of emergency after receiving rainfall equal to that of a hurricane. The city was hit by storms on July 21 and again from July 27 to 28, with more rain falling on August 2. The Township of Southwold in southwestern Ontario also declared a state of emergency after heavy rain flooded roads and prompted repairs. In Quebec, a municipality in the Laurentians region declared a local state of emergency after rainfall left some roads impassable.