The logo of the Penticton Fire Department is shown in this handout image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Penticton Fire Department (Mandatory credit)

By The Canadian Press

Massive fire guts Penticton, B.C., care facility, triggers evacuations

May 28, 2026 | 10:09 AM

PENTICTON — A massive fire at a long-term care home under construction in B.C.’s Okanagan region has triggered tactical evacuations of nearby homes.

The City of Penticton says the fire at 453 Green Avenue was reported at around 10 p.m. Wednesday at the construction site for the three-storey wood-frame structure.

The blaze quickly escalated into a three-alarm fire, triggering a response of 60 firefighters in the region from as far away as Summerland and Naramata, more than 15 kilometres north of Penticton.

The city says crews had to evacuate 16 homes in anticipation of the fire’s spread, with four of them sustaining damage in the blaze.

No one has been reported injured, but 12 homes remain evacuated as crews note the presence of an unstable crane structure at the site that continues to pose a safety risk.

long range forecast

No heat domes, but warmer and drier summer than normal expected in Nanaimo

1h ago

Batter Up

Nanaimo NightOwls full of optimism for fifth season

6h ago

shelter space

'Bigger than one winter:' Oceanside dry shelter advocates get RDN support letter

19h ago

Crews are on site to assess the situation, with the fire still active in several areas, while the unstable crane hampers suppression efforts.

The construction of the long-term care home is a partnership between the B.C. government and Kaigo Senior Living.

The project, called the Skaha Seniors Community, was expected to be completed in 2028 to hold 200 beds aimed at meeting the demand for Penticton’s growing seniors’ population.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Massive fire guts Penticton, B.C., care facility, triggers evacuations

More Local News