Wildfire that prompted evacuations in West Kelowna was caused by prohibited campfire, officials say

21-Jun-2026

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Officials have determined that a wildfire that prompted evacuation orders in West Kelowna, B.C., earlier this week was caused by a prohibited campfire inside a regional park.

On June 19, officials said an investigation determined the fire was caused by an escaped campfire sparked inside Kalamoir Regional Park, which isn't allowed under local regulations.

West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund said the fire was accidental, but police were working to identify the people responsible.

"Campfires are never permitted in our parks," he said in an interview.

"This fire, however, demonstrates how quickly, under the right conditions, a fire can grow explosively, that only a small spark can have potentially devastating consequences."