80-year-old woman killed in Summerland, B.C., wildfire: RCMP
An 80-year-old woman has died while attempting to flee the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland, British Columbia. While the downtown area remains intact, thousands have been evacuated as the fire continues to burn across 136 square kilometers.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the increasing human and structural toll of wildfires in North America due to climate change.
The Bald Range wildfire broke out shortly after 5 p.m. PT on Friday about 15 kilometres from the city, and grew rapidly, forcing tactical evacuations — some involving firefighting helicopters.
Penticton RCMP said Sunday it had confirmed at least one person died as a result of the fire.
Police said an 80-year-old woman "died suddenly" while trying to flee the fire with her family.
"Police believe her death to be a result of the wildfire," the RCMP said.
B.C. wildfires: Thousands flee Summerland, RCMP confirms death of 80-year-old
As of Sunday, the fire had grown to 136 square kilometers in size. About 12,000 residents, along with people in surrounding areas including southern Peachland remain under evacuation orders.
The remainder of Peachland and areas south of Summerland and west of Penticton are on evacuation alerts. The Penticton Indian Band has also declared a state of emergency.
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