British Columbia declared a state of emergency after a fast-moving wildfire destroyed homes and forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate communities near Okanagan Lake.

More than 100 wildfires were burning across the province, with nearly half considered out of control amid hot, windy weather and prolonged drought.

The Bald Range wildfire rapidly expanded to more than 52 square miles, reaching residential areas and forcing firefighters and emergency officials to flee.

At least 50 people were rescued by firefighting aircraft, while authorities investigated a possible wildfire-related death and continued searching for others, NBC News has reported.

Officials warned that dangerous conditions could trigger similarly explosive fires elsewhere as Canada continues to face increasingly destructive wildfire seasons.