• British Columbia declares state of emergency as wildfires force over 20,000 evacuations, with one fire growing to 9,500 hectares in a short time amid strong winds.
• Premier David Eby warns of "extremely dangerous" conditions changing rapidly, with some people trapped by flames and needing air rescues in the Summerland district.
• Federal government ready to support British Columbia with firefighting and evacuations as over 100 wildfires, almost half out of control, have been recorded in the province.

Canada's western province of British Columbia declared a state of emergency as fast-spreading wildfires forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate their homes, authorities said on Saturday.

The Bald Range fire grew to about 9,500 hectares within a short time on Friday amid strong winds, with many homes and other properties destroyed. British Columbia Premier David Eby warned that conditions were "extremely dangerous" and changing from minute to minute.

Some people were trapped by the flames and had to be rescued by air, Eby said. The Summerland district, with about 12,000 residents, was among the areas worst affected.

Protecting lives and supporting rescue operations were the top priorities, he said, adding that authorities were working to provide shelter and other assistance to evacuees.

"To everyone affected, you are not facing this alone - the entire province is with you," Eby said in a statement.

Prime Minister Mark Carney thanked firefighters and other emergency workers on X and said that the federal government was ready to support British Columbia with firefighting and evacuations.

More than 100 wildfires have been recorded in British Columbia, according to media reports, with almost half considered out of control. Other Canadian provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, have also faced major wildfires this year.