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File photo (Image Credit: Pattison Media)
By Liam Verster
Sudden Death

Elderly woman died in Summerland wildfire  

Aug 10, 2026 | 9:41 AM

An elderly woman lost her life in the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland.

Penticton RCMP said an 80 year old Meadow Valley resident was attempting to leave her home overnight Friday, August 7, as the wildfire raged towards the community, when she suddenly died.

The woman was with another member of her family when she passed.

Police believed her death was linked to the wildfire, and the B.C. Coroner’s Service was called in to investigate and confirm the nature of the death.

“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,” Superintendent Beth McAndie, Officer in charge of the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP Detachment, stated.

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“Officers are working closely and providing full supports to the impacted family, who are asking for privacy at this time.”

As of time of publication, police did not believe there were any other fatalities connected to the Bald Range wildfire.

by Liam Verster
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