Posted June 17, 2026 7:00 pm
1 min read
2:07
Close call for some West Kelowna residents
WATCH: It was a close call for some West Kelowna residents on Tuesday as a fast-moving wildfire came within a few feet of some homes. Erin Ubels has the latest details.
Hundreds of West Kelowna, B.C., residents remain on evacuation alert on Wednesday after the Kalamoir fire broke out on Tuesday.
The fast-moving wildfire forced an evacuation order, which was downgraded to an alert around 6 p.m.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan says the Kalamoir Regional Park remains closed until further notice while safety and damage assessments are conducted.
West Kelowna’s fire department says that Tuesday’s hot, dry and windy conditions caused the flames to spread quickly.
But the rapid response by municipal firefighters and multiple aircraft brought the fire under control.
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No homes were lost to the fire, but a pergola was destroyed.
“I’m happy to report that all of the residents who were forced from their homes yesterday were able to return last night,” West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund said.
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“Many of them to homes that, you know, the fire had come to within inches. Firefighters stopping these fires in the backyards of these homes.”
4:36
West Kelowna Fire Chief on Kalamoir Park wildfire & summer wildfire risk
Residents of the 742 properties should still be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Brolund said the summer’s wildfire season is just getting started.
“We will likely be in for a lengthy wildfire season unless we see weeks of rain, which probably not going to happen,” he said.
“So, you know, yesterday was a wake-up call for residents of our community, for residents of our region and really across the country that this wildfire risk is not going away.”
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Read the full article at Global News →📄Source document: Regional District of Central Okanagan Update
2 reports
Global NewsParty-alignedCenter3 days agoAn evacuation alert for 742 households in West Kelowna's Casa Loma and Lakeview Heights neighborhoods has been lifted following the Kalamoir Park wildfire. The fire, which prompted an emergency declaration, has been contained with no homes lost, though a pergola was destroyed. Firefighters continue to monitor the area for hotspots, and BC Wildfire crews have completed their operations.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual updates on the wildfire situation without apparent ideological framing. It focuses on containment efforts, safety measures, and the status of affected residents, avoiding any overtly biased language or emphasis.
Official sources cited
- government Regional District of Central Okanagan Update
Global NewsParty-alignedCenter3 days ago Kalamoir Park closed following wildfire, evac alert still in placeA wildfire broke out in West Kelowna, British Columbia, on Tuesday, coming within a few feet of some homes. The fire led to an evacuation order that was later downgraded to an alert. No homes were damaged, though a pergola was destroyed. The fire was brought under control due to the efforts of local firefighters and aerial support. Kalamoir Regional Park remains closed for safety assessments.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a straightforward account of a natural disaster event with no apparent ideological framing. It focuses on factual details such as the fire's impact, response efforts, and current status without showing bias toward any political stance.
Official sources cited
- government Regional District of Central Okanagan
- government West Kelowna Fire Department
CA