Residents in Penticton, British Columbia, continue to face uncertainty nearly two days after a massive fire destroyed a long-term care home under construction, leaving behind a damaged crane that poses a significant safety risk to nearby properties.

The fire erupted late Wednesday at a construction site on Green Avenue near Highway 97. The property was formerly home to the estate of well-known businessman David Kampe. Although the main blaze has been extinguished, crews reported that hot spots were still smouldering across the site on Friday.

The intensity of the fire forced emergency officials to order tactical evacuations for 16 nearby homes. Flying embers spread throughout the area, while the extreme heat compromised a large construction crane, sparking fears that the structure could collapse.

Officials said the damaged crane remains the primary concern as engineers and emergency personnel work to determine the safest way to dismantle it. Due to the ongoing threat, the City of Penticton declared a local state of emergency on Thursday and activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

Fire Chief Mike Larsson said the emergency declaration was necessary to ensure authorities had the powers required to maintain evacuations, secure the site, and keep surrounding roads closed for public safety.

While residents from six evacuated homes have been permitted to return, evacuation orders remain in place for 10 properties located within the potential collapse zone of the crane. City officials confirmed that four homes suffered damage from the fire, while six others remain at risk should the crane fall.

Wendy Calhoun, director of operations for Kaigo Seniors Living, described the situation as devastating, noting that the organization never expected to face such a disaster at the construction project.

Emergency officials say support services are available for displaced residents. Anthony Haddad, director of the Emergency Operations Centre and city manager, confirmed that Emergency Support Services teams are assisting affected families while safety assessments continue.

Authorities have not yet announced when evacuation orders will be lifted, as engineers continue evaluating the stability of the crane and the condition of the site. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

The incident has highlighted the challenges emergency crews face following large-scale construction fires, where structural hazards can continue to threaten surrounding communities long after the flames are brought under control.