Donnie Creek Fire forces 3,000 evacuations in Canada

A fast-moving wildfire has torn through parts of western Canada, forcing at least 3,000 people to evacuate their homes in British Columbia and Alberta. The blaze, named the Donnie Creek Fire, has grown to over 250,000 hectares—bigger than New York City—since it started earlier this month. Firefighters from across North America have been deployed to battle the flames, but dry conditions and strong winds are pushing the fire into new areas faster than crews can contain it.

This isn’t an isolated event. Canada has seen a record-breaking wildfire season this year, with over 13 million hectares burned so far—more than double the previous worst year. Climate change is making wildfires worse, with hotter temperatures, drier forests, and longer fire seasons. British Columbia and Alberta are particularly vulnerable because of dense boreal forests and limited rainfall. Earlier this summer, smoke from these fires drifted as far as the U.S. Midwest, turning skies orange and worsening air quality.

Evacuation orders have affected communities like Fort Nelson in British Columbia, where residents were given just hours to leave. Emergency shelters have been set up, but some families are staying with relatives outside the danger zone. The Donnie Creek Fire is now one of the largest in Canada’s history, and firefighters are warning that it could merge with other nearby fires, creating an even bigger threat. The Canadian military has also been called in to assist with evacuations and supply drops.

What happens next depends on the weather. If rain arrives soon, the fire might slow down. But if winds pick up again, it could spread even faster. More evacuations are likely as the fire moves unpredictably. The long-term impact will depend on how much more land is lost—and whether Canada’s fire season keeps breaking records. For now, the priority is getting people to safety and protecting homes before the flames grow any larger.