Fire at Kalamalka Research Station in Vernon Quickly Extinguished

Vernon, BC – Just after 8:30 p.m. on March 4, 2026, Vernon Fire Rescue Service were dispatched to reports of flames inside the Kalamalka Research Station, a key forest research facility located at 3401 Reservoir Road in Vernon.

Upon arrival, crews confirmed the fire in a main building and immediately requested additional resources.

Firefighters worked swiftly to extinguish the blaze, which was brought under control and fully extinguished in short order.

The building was subsequently ventilated to clear smoke, and no injuries were reported.

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP also attended the scene to assist with the response and any potential investigation.

As of late tonight, no official cause for the fire has been released, and damage assessments are ongoing.

The Kalamalka Research Station, operated by the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, is a specialized facility dedicated to forest genetics, tree improvement, and seed production programs. It focuses on breeding and testing climate-resilient tree species.

No details on the extent of damage or potential impacts to ongoing research operations have been released.

Fire at Kalamalka Research Station in Vernon Quickly Extinguished