Penticton RCMP confirm one fatality in Summerland (Bald Range) wildfire

PENTICTON RCMP confirm an 80-year-old woman has died as a result of the Summerland (Bald Range) wildfire.

On Friday, August 7 at approximately 5:15 p.m., a fast-moving wildfire (Bald Range) was reported to the Summerland RCMP.  Approximately eight hours later, officers also received a report of a sudden death in the Meadow Valley area reported by a witness evacuating from the area.

Penticton RCMP are now confirming an 80-year-old Meadow Valley resident was attempting to leave her home, along with one member of her family, due to the wildfires, when she reportedly died suddenly. Police believe her death to be a result of the wildfire.

BC Coroners Service is conducting an investigation to confirm the nature of the woman’s death. No additional details can be released, police say.

“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.”

There are no other known fatalities reported to police at this time.

BC RCMP continue to monitor the wildfire situation throughout the province to adjust and deploy police resources as needed.