An 80-year-old woman died while attempting to evacuate from a large wildfire in British Columbia, Canada, as authorities ordered the evacuation of more than 20,000 people and declared a state of emergency after the fire rapidly spread.
On 10 August 2026, Canadian police revealed that an 80-year-old woman died while trying to leave her home to escape a large wildfire in Summerland, British Columbia, in the western part of the country. Officials are investigating the details of the incident.
Reports indicate that the "Summerland" wildfire, which ignited last Friday near Okanagan Lake, spread rapidly due to strong winds, forcing authorities to evacuate over 20,000 residents in the area, including some who required helicopter evacuation from dangerous zones.
Meanwhile, the "Bald Range" wildfire, which triggered the situation, has spread into Summerland and surrounding valley communities. The British Columbia Wildfire Service reported that by Sunday morning, the fire had burned approximately 64,600 acres and remained uncontrolled.
David Eby, the Premier of British Columbia, stated that the wildfire has caused severe damage to homes and property, and some residents remain trapped due to rapidly changing conditions. Authorities are conducting aerial operations to assist those still isolated from outside areas.
The British Columbia Wildfire Service reported that as of Sunday morning, there are 102 active wildfire sites across the province, with nearly half remaining uncontrolled. They warned that ongoing hot and dry weather is contributing to intense wildfire behavior in the southern part of the province.