RCMP report possible fatality in massive B.C. wildfire

RCMP in British Columbia say they are investigating a possible fatality in the massive fire near Summerland in the Okanagan that has forced thousands of people to evacuate.

Southeast District RCMP say in a statement that a resident of Meadow Valley, west of Summerland, has reported the possible death.

They say police and the BC Coroners Service are working on confirmation, but there are hazardous conditions in the area.

RCMP say officers are “working closely with the impacted family.”

The British Columbia government has declared a provincial state of emergency after the ferocious wildfire forced 20,000 people out of communities along Okanagan Lake, with helicopters diverted from the fire fight to pluck dozens to safety.

Premier David Eby says he was briefed on the fast-moving wildfire that roared toward Summerland and Peachland and was told it was “like a bomb” going off.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 8, 2026.