A large fire broke out on Wednesday night, May 27, 2026, at a construction site in southern Penticton, sending flames and smoke into the sky and drawing emergency crews to the area. The fire was reported after 10 p.m. at Green Avenue West, on the site of the former David Kampe estate, where a future long-term care facility is being built. Construction at the property began in November 2025.
The blaze was intense enough to be seen from as far away as Okanagan Falls, underscoring the scale of the incident. As emergency responders worked to contain the fire, major traffic disruptions followed in the surrounding neighbourhood. The Channel Parkway was closed in both directions, and DriveBC warned travellers to expect traffic control in the area. Additional road closures were also put in place from Brandon Avenue and Paris Street to Green Avenue, near the Penticton Walmart.
Fire crews from Penticton and Summerland responded to the scene, with support also coming from FortisBC and the RCMP. City officials said public safety was the top priority and urged residents to stay away from the area so emergency operations could continue without interference.
At the time of the report, it was not known whether anyone had been injured. Officials also had not yet determined the cause of the fire.
The incident unfolded at a site that had recently begun redevelopment, adding concern among nearby residents and motorists as crews continued to deal with the flames late into the evening. With multiple agencies involved and the roadway closures expected to affect traffic, authorities worked to secure the area and manage the situation as the investigation into the cause got underway.
