A large fire broke out late Wednesday night, May 27, 2026, at a construction site in southern Penticton, sending flames high enough to be seen from Okanagan Falls. Emergency crews were called to Green Avenue West after 10 p.m., where a long-term care facility is being built on the former David Kampe estate. Construction at the site began in November 2025.
The blaze prompted major road closures in the area. Channel Parkway was shut down in both directions, and DriveBC advised drivers to expect traffic control. Additional closures were reported from Brandon Avenue and Paris Street to Green Avenue, near the Penticton Walmart, as authorities worked to secure the area and keep motorists away from the scene.
Penticton and Summerland fire departments responded to the incident, with support from FortisBC and the RCMP. City officials said public safety was the top priority and urged residents to avoid the area so emergency operations could continue without interference.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether anyone was injured in the fire. Officials also have not yet determined what caused the blaze. Crews remained on scene as firefighters worked to bring the situation under control and prevent further spread.
The construction project had only recently begun and is intended to become a future long-term care facility. The fire caused visible smoke and flames across a wide area, drawing attention from nearby communities as responders battled the fast-moving emergency.
Authorities have not released further details about the extent of the damage or whether the construction site suffered a total loss. Investigations into the cause of the fire are expected to continue once the scene is safe to assess.
