Illegal camping at Kal Park led to fire, serves as safety reminder: RCMP, Fire Officials

Jun 17, 2025 | 3:28 PM

Local police are advising people be cautious when recreating outdoors following a fire from an illegal campsite at Kalamalka Provincial Park.

Coldstream Fire Department, Lavington Fire Department, and B.C. Wildfire Service crews were dispatched to the park shortly before 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 16, after smoke was spotted rising up from the park.

“We responded to the red gate and took our apparatus in as far as we could go, and then had quite a hike up to the fire scene where we found a 20 by 20 [foot] burning with three-foot flames, [and] we started attacking the fire with tools and water,” Fiona Morgenthaler-Code, Coldstream Fire’s Chief, told Vernon Matters Tuesday.

“We had it knocked down and cold-trailed by 9:30 last night.”

The Fire Chief and the BCWS also confirmed that a provincial fire crew attended the scene Tuesday morning to extinguish any hot spots, and the fire was then declared officially Out.

Second-Degree Murder

Lumby murder case going to trial in late May

2h ago

Non-Market Housing Opportunities

City of Vernon looking at federal, provincial land for new housing

16h ago

Serious Injuries

GoFundMe launched in support of motorcycle accident victim

22h ago

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said the fire started at an illegal campsite within the park, and stated it should serve as a reminded to people to be cautious with their outdoor activities during dry conditions.

“A rapid response by Coldstream and BC Wildfire Service prevented what could have been a much worse outcome given the dry conditions and proximity to residential areas,” Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP, said.

“With dry conditions and the risk of wildfire increasing, it’s critical that everyone respects rules and fire safety regulations. If you are having a legal campfire, it needs to be extinguished and cold to the touch before being left unattended.”

Police added the fire was under investigation Tuesday and asked anyone with information about the case to call the Vernon detachment at 250-545-7171 and quote file #2025-9529.

Fires and camping at not permitted in Kal Park at any time of year, and police also ask people to report these incidents when they occur.

The Coldstream Fire Chief also encouraged people to be cautious and on the lookout for fire activity during this time of year..

“We’re at high [fire] risk right now, we’re not at the extreme level yet, but we are at high risk, so we’re asking people to be vigilant,” Morgenthaler-Code said.

“It was people from across the lake that spotted the fire last night, that was our initial call, and those eyes on the park ensured we had such a quick response, to have such a successful outcome. So we’re asking people to be vigilant and to make smart choices.”

by Liam Verster

View Comments