UBC Okanagan building fire contained after roof construction blaze
A large fire broke out at the Creative and Critical Studies building at the University of British Columbia Okanagan on Thursday, October 29. The blaze, which began around 12:30 p.m., was contained by the Kelowna Fire Department.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by construction work on the roof. According to Deputy Fire Chief Larry Watkinson, insulated foam packaging behind the building cladding ignited and spread into the structure.
No injuries were reported among students or firefighters. While the building suffered smoke and water damage, the impact on connecting classrooms was described as very limited. All classes and exams in the affected building have been cancelled until further notice.
Entities
Kelowna Fire Department · Larry Watkinson · University of British Columbia Okanagan · University of British Columbia Okanagan
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by construction work on the roof. lakecowichangazette.com · northernsentinel.com · albernivalleynews.com · langleyadvancetimes.com · trailtimes.ca · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] All classes and exams in the building are cancelled until further notice. lakecowichangazette.com · northernsentinel.com · albernivalleynews.com · langleyadvancetimes.com · trailtimes.ca · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Insulated foam packaging behind the cladding caught fire and spread into the structure. lakecowichangazette.com · northernsentinel.com · albernivalleynews.com · langleyadvancetimes.com · trailtimes.ca · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The fire started around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026. lakecowichangazette.com · northernsentinel.com · albernivalleynews.com · langleyadvancetimes.com · trailtimes.ca · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] A fire occurred at the Creative and Critical Studies building at UBC Okanagan. lakecowichangazette.com · northernsentinel.com · albernivalleynews.com · langleyadvancetimes.com · trailtimes.ca · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The original structure suffered smoke and water damage. lakecowichangazette.com · northernsentinel.com · albernivalleynews.com · langleyadvancetimes.com · trailtimes.ca · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] No students or firefighters were injured in the fire. lakecowichangazette.com · northernsentinel.com · albernivalleynews.com · langleyadvancetimes.com · trailtimes.ca · +1 more