UBC Okanagan building fire forces class relocations

A fire at the Creative and Critical Studies building at UBC Okanagan in Kelowna has forced classes to move to online formats or alternative campus spaces. The blaze occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, and was extinguished 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 cladding caught fire and spread up the inside of the structure.

While the building's exterior sustained significant damage, there was minimal damage to the interior, though some smoke and water damage occurred. No students or firefighters were injured during the incident. A building assessment is currently underway, and officials expect a return to the building in the coming weeks, though no specific date has been confirmed.