Emergency declared as Kalamoir Park wildfire forces evacuation of 357 households in West Kelowna, Canada

A wildfire discovered in the Kalamoir Regional Park area of West Kelowna, British Columbia, on June 16, threatened nearby residential neighbourhoods and forced the evacuation of approximately 357 households in the Casa Loma and Lakeview Heights areas.

Tactical evacuations were underway Tuesday afternoon as the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre activated in support of firefighting operations. The Regional District of Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre worked alongside BC Wildfire Service and West Kelowna Fire Rescue as crews responded to the rapidly developing wildfire.

The City of West Kelowna declared a State of Local Emergency due to an imminent threat to people and property while Emergency Support Services established a muster centre at the Westbank Lions Community Centre for displaced residents.

Later the same day, BC Wildfire Service classified the Kalamoir Park wildfire as “Being Held,” meaning the fire was expected to remain within its existing perimeter, control line, or boundary based on available resources and prevailing conditions. The fire was estimated at approximately 8 ha (20 acres).

The evacuation order affecting approximately 357 households was downgraded to an evacuation alert at 18:30 local time on June 16 and residents were allowed to return home.

The evacuation alert area includes Alice Road, Benedick Road, portions of Campbell Road, Casa Loma Road, Casa Palmero Drive, portions of Collens Hill Road, Kalamoir Park, Lakeridge Road, Lakeview Road, Lucinde Road, and Weatherhill Road.

BC Wildfire Service identified the suspected cause of the fire as human activity.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue is leading suppression efforts on the fire, designated K50571, with support from BC Wildfire Service personnel and aerial resources.

Twenty-six firefighting personnel were assigned to the fire. Kalamoir Regional Park remained closed to the public, although no area restrictions were reported beyond the evacuation measures.

With residents returning home, the Emergency Support Services muster centre at the Westbank Lions Community Centre was closed. Emergency officials advised residents to remain prepared for changing conditions, expect residual smoke in the area and anticipate continued movement of firefighting equipment as crews monitor and address remaining hot spots.

Officials also urged the public to maintain a safe distance from suppression operations and continue monitoring updates from the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre and BC Wildfire Service

References:

¹ Kalamoir Park Wildfire – COEM – June 16, 2026

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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