One dead as Bald Range wildfire forces 20,000 from Okanagan communities
An 80-year-old Meadow Valley resident died while evacuating as the fire spread across 136 square kilometres near Summerland, destroying homes in Faulder.
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An 80-year-old woman from Meadow Valley died while attempting to evacuate her home as the fast-moving Bald Range wildfire swept through the Okanagan region, forcing more than 20,000 residents to flee Monday morning, August 10.
The resident was assisted by a family member when she died suddenly. Police believe her death resulted from the wildfire, with the BC Coroners Service continuing their investigation. RCMP said no other fatalities have been reported as of Monday afternoon.
The wildfire, first reported at 5:15 p.m. on August 7, has burned approximately 136 square kilometers across the region's outskirts. The fire crossed 15 kilometres within hours and threatened Summerland, a community of 12,000 people now under full evacuation order. About 10,000 homes in Summerland, Peachland, the regional districts of Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan, and on Penticton Indian Band lands are under evacuation order. Another 3,200 homes face lower-level evacuation alerts stretching north past Peachland and south past Penticton.
In Faulder, a village of roughly 215 residents west of Summerland, dozens of properties have been consumed by the flames. Resident Kyla Gaudiuso learned her home had been destroyed after receiving a photo of the ridge where it once stood engulfed in flames. She has not received official confirmation but is now staying with a friend in Penticton while awaiting news of any remaining structures on her property.
Superintendent Beth McAndie of the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP Detachment said officers are providing full support to the affected family, who are requesting privacy.
By the numbers
How many people were forced to evacuate from the Okanagan on August 10, 2026?
More than 20,000 residents were forced to flee the Okanagan region on Monday, August 10, 2026, as the Bald Range wildfire spread.
How large was the Bald Range wildfire?
The Bald Range wildfire had burned approximately 136 square kilometres across the Okanagan region's outskirts as of August 10, 2026.
When was the Bald Range wildfire first reported?
The Bald Range wildfire was first reported at 5:15 p.m. on August 7, 2026.
How many homes were under evacuation order?
About 10,000 homes across Summerland, Peachland, the regional districts of Okanagan-Similkameen and Central Okanagan, and Penticton Indian Band lands were under evacuation order.
