- An 80-year-old woman died while fleeing the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland on Friday night.
- The woman was a Meadow Valley resident who was attempting to leave her home with a family member when she reportedly died suddenly.
- Police believe the woman's death to be a result of the wildfire, officers stated in a release.
- The Bald Range fire is now estimated at 13,618.2 hectares in size and has forced five evacuation orders and four evacuation alerts.
- More than 20,000 people in and around Summerland have been forced from their homes due to the Bald Range fire.
- The fire was discovered at around 5:15 p.m. on Friday, quickly exploding in size and making a direct run towards Okanagan Lake.
- Homes and structures have reportedly been destroyed by the fire, which grew quickly and aggressively.
An 80-year-old woman died while attempting to evacuate from the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland, B.C., which has rapidly expanded to 13,618.2 hectares. The incident occurred late Friday night as she was leaving her home in the Meadow Valley area with a family member.15
Penticton RCMP reported that another evacuee witnessed the woman's death shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday. Authorities believe her death is linked to the wildfire, and the B.C. Coroner's Service is conducting an investigation.
“This wildfire has been a deeply traumatic event for all those in the region. Our thoughts are with this family, who are now grappling with the loss of their loved one,” said Supt. Beth McAndie, officer in charge of the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP detachment.
The fire, which ignited around 5:15 p.m. on Friday, has led to the evacuation of over 20,000 residents and has destroyed homes and structures as it aggressively spread towards Okanagan Lake. No other wildfire-related deaths have been reported, according to police.78
“The fire, which sparked Friday evening, has destroyed homes and structures as it raced toward Okanagan Lake. Supt. Beth McAndie expressed condolences, saying officers are providing full supports to the family, who are asking for privacy, while the BC Coroner's Service investigates.”
Global News
