B.C. RCMP said one person has died near Summerland as a result of the Bald Range wildfire.
Penticton RCMP said an 80-year-old woman died suddenly early Saturday morning while she and a family member were trying to evacuate her home in the Meadow Valley area.
Police said a witness who was evacuating the area reported the woman’s death.
“Police believe her death to be a result of the wildfire,” said the RCMP on Sunday evening.
The B.C. Coroners Service is investigating.
“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,” says Superintendent Beth McAndie, officer in charge of the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP Detachment. “Officers are working closely and providing full supports to the impacted family, who are asking for privacy at this time.”
RCMP said there were no other known deaths related to the wildfire.
The fast-moving Bald Range wildfire was detected Aug. 7 and has forced thousands of people from their homes in the District of Summerland and surrounding areas.
