Officials have confirmed that a wildfire that forced evacuations in West Kelowna, British Columbia, earlier this week was caused by a prohibited campfire inside Kalamoir Regional Park.

The Kalamoir Park wildfire ignited at approximately 11 a.m. PT on Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders for hundreds of nearby properties as crews worked to contain the fast-moving blaze.

Firefighters responded quickly to the incident, allowing authorities to downgrade and lift evacuation orders by Tuesday evening. Residents who had been forced to leave their homes were permitted to return later that day.

Investigators have since determined that the fire originated from a campfire that had been prohibited under existing fire restrictions in the area. Officials are reminding the public to comply with fire bans and safety regulations, particularly during periods of heightened wildfire risk.

The incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by human-caused wildfires in British Columbia, where dry conditions and warm temperatures can allow small ignitions to spread rapidly. Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to exercise caution and follow all fire prevention measures to help protect communities and natural areas throughout the wildfire season.