(UPDATE: May 28 @ 3 pm) - The City of Penticton has declared a local state of emergency and activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
The state of emergency is to issue an official evacuation order for 10 properties – 375, 395, 399, 402, 410, 420, 430, 435, 440 and 450 Green Ave. W.
"Residents located outside the evacuation area are free to return home but are advised to follow all traffic control personnel," notes a City release.
"The public is asked to stay clear of the area to allow crews to continue their response efforts."
According to the City, crews continue to respond to fire-related activity and there are safety concerns regarding an unstable crane structure on the site.
The powerful blaze broke around late Wednesday night and involved a three-storey, 48,000-square-foot, wood-frame building that was under construction.
The City noted earlier that four neighbouring homes suffered fire damage as well.
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(UPDATE: May 28 @ 12:05 pm) - DriveBC reports that the southbound lanes of Hwy 97 are now open between Warren Avenue and Skaha Lake Road.
It's single-lane traffic on that half of the street while the northbound lanes remain closed at this time.
The City of Penticton has not provided any further information since issuing an update shortly after 9 am.
(UPDATE: May 28 @ 9:15 am) - Crews remain at the scene of a massive structure fire at 453 Green Ave. in Penticton.
According to the City of Penticton, the blaze involves a three-storey, 48,000-square-foot wood-frame building that was under construction, with four surrounding homes suffering fire damage as well.
“This incident required a rapid, coordinated response, and crews acted quickly to limit further damage and protect surrounding homes,” said Penticton fire chief Mike Larsson
Sixteen homes were evacuated at the height of the incident and a dozen remain evacuated due to an unstable crane structure on the site that continues to pose a safety risk.
“While significant progress has been made, there are still active fire areas on site," Larsson explained. "The unstable crane remains a key hazard and continues to affect suppression efforts. Our focus remains on maintaining safety for both residents and responders.”
A City news release explains that six spot fires were identified and contained embers that travelled several blocks from the main blaze.
The initial 911 call regarding the fire came in at 10:12 pm on Wednesday and crews arrived at the scene within six minutes.
A total of 60 firefighters responded, with Penticton crews receiving aid from Summerland, Naramata, Penticton Indian Band and Kaleden.
Hwy 97 was shut down between Warren Avenue and Skaha Lake Road and the major route remains closed at this time.
Mayor Julius Bloomfield said the City's thoughts are with the residents who have been impacted by the fire.
“We are grateful for the professionalism and dedication of all responding crews and partner agencies," said a written statement from the mayor. "The safety of our community remains our top priority, and we will continue to support those affected as response efforts continue.”
(Original story: May 28 @ 5:45 am) - A structure fire on Green Avenue in Penticton has prompted a major road closure and a warning for residents to avoid the area.
The City of Penticton says fire and emergency crews are on scene and responding to the blaze.
The City says it is actively monitoring the situation and that public safety remains its priority.
⛔️REMINDER #BCHwy97 / Channel Pkwy is CLOSED in both directions between Warren Ave and Skaha Lake Rd due to a structure fire. Watch for traffic control. #Penticton
— DriveBC (@DriveBC) May 28, 2026
ℹ️More information: https://t.co/TCErInING8 pic.twitter.com/7s0T1MzX2B
Residents are being asked to stay away from the area so emergency crews can continue their work.
DriveBC says Hwy 97 along the Channel Parkway is closed in both directions between Warren Avenue and Skaha Lake Road because of the fire.
Drivers are being told to watch for traffic control in the area.
The city says further updates will be provided once more information is confirmed.
