The City of Penticton says emergency crews remain on scene after a 3 alarm fire at 453 Green Ave. involving a 48,000-square-foot, three-storey wood-frame building currently under construction.
The City of Penticton has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) due to the ongoing incident and has declared a local state of emergency in order to issue an evacuation order for 10 properties.
The properties are 435, 402, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 399, 375, 395 Green Avenue West.
According to the City, residents located outside the evacuation area are free to return home but are advised to follow all traffic control personnel.
The public is asked to stay clear of the area to allow crews to continue their response efforts.
Penticton fire crews were alerted to the fire Wednesday at 10:12 p.m. Crews from Summerland, Naramata, Penticton Indian Band and Kaleden also arrived to help. The incident was escalated to a third-alarm fire by 10:22 p.m. A total of 60 firefighters responded, and emergency personnel remain actively engaged in suppression and safety operations.
“This incident required a rapid, coordinated response, and crews acted quickly to limit further damage and protect surrounding homes,” said Mike Larsson, fire chief. “While significant progress has been made, there are still active fire areas on site. The unstable crane remains a key hazard and continues to affect suppression efforts. Our focus remains on maintaining safety for both residents and responders.”
16 homes were originally evacuated because of the blaze with 4 homes damaged by the flames.
Fire crews continue to manage active fire conditions, which are being complicated by the impacted crane on site. In addition, six spot fires were identified and contained after embers travelled several blocks from the main fire.
“Our thoughts are with the residents who have been impacted by this fire,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “We are grateful for the professionalism and dedication of all responding crews and partner agencies. The safety of our community remains our top priority, and we will continue to support those affected as response efforts continue.”
There are no known injuries at this time.
Drive BC says Highway 97 remains closed north bound. Drivers are being diverted to the southbound portion with 1 lane of traffic in each direction.
There is no confirmed timeline for full reopening. Motorists are asked to avoid the area where possible.
The RCMP, including officers from Oliver, Summerland and Kelowna, are supporting evacuations, traffic control and public safety efforts.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) has been activated to assist residents impacted by the event.
