Woman Dies Fleeing Bald Range Wildfire in British Columbia

An 80-year-old woman died while fleeing her home to escape a massive wildfire in British Columbia, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said. The blaze, known as the Bald Range wildfire, has forced the evacuation of more than 20,000 people and prompted a provincial state of emergency.

The woman, a resident of Meadow Valley near Summerland, was attempting to leave her home with a family member when she died suddenly, according to the Penticton RCMP. Police believe her death is a result of the wildfire, which was first reported on Friday, August 7. The BC Coroners Service is investigating to confirm the nature of her death. As of Monday, August 10, this was the only known fatality related to the fire.

The wildfire ignited near Okanagan Lake and spread rapidly due to intense winds. By Sunday evening, it had grown to cover more than 13,600 hectares and was considered out of control, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The fast-moving blaze led to the evacuation of over 20,000 residents from the Summerland area within 24 hours of its initial report. Emergency responders had to airlift 50 people to safety on Saturday as conditions changed quickly.

British Columbia Premier David Eby...