Victoria, Canada - Canadian officials declared a state of emergency on Saturday after a fast-moving wildfire overnight forced the evacuation of more than 20,000 people in the western province of British Columbia.

Winds fanned the Bald Range wildfire late on Friday, rapidly fueling it up and pushing flames into the Summerland area, where numerous communities were affected across several of the surrounding valleys.

"We know there have been significant losses of homes and property," said British Columbia Premier David Eby in a statement on Saturday. "We also know that some people became trapped as conditions changed quickly."

"To everyone affected, you are not facing this alone – the entire province is with you," he said. "Air evacuations are underway for people who remain isolated behind the fire perimeter."

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Kelly Greene, the province's Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, declared a state of emergency and ordered mass evacuations.

CTV News reported more than 50 people had to be airlifted out of the community of Faulder as flames advanced.

Prime Minister Mark Carney posted his gratitude to firefighters and first responders on X, thanking them for "working tirelessly to keep people safe."

"The federal government stands ready to help and support the government of British Columbia in these efforts. I'm keeping everyone forced from their homes in my thoughts and hoping they can return safely soon," Carney said.

The fire was first reported early Friday evening, and Eby warned Saturday it "remains extremely active and significant challenges remain."

This latest blaze comes as Canada continues to suffer yet another tough wildfire season, a reality that is becoming increasingly common and increasingly damaging due to the impacts of climate change.