UPDATE: Cause of fire that heavily damaged 3 Armstrong businesses investigated
Published 1:24 pm Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Update: 1:30 p.m.
Firefighters from neighbouring departments helped battle an early morning fire that has heavily damaged three Armstrong businesses Wednesday, July 15.
The City of Armstrong thanked all firefighters providing mutual aid, emergency responders, RCMP, city staff and supporting agencies for their work in a press release issued Wednesday afternoon.
The city specifically acknowledged the fire departments in Enderby and BX/Swan Lake and Vernon Fire Rescue, which sent equipment and personnel to the scene.
“This was a devastating fire for our community, and our hearts go out to the owners, staff, and everyone affected by this loss,” said Fire Chief Ian McKechnie. “I want to recognize the exceptional efforts of our firefighters and our mutual aid partners, who responded quickly and worked tirelessly under challenging conditions to protect neighbouring properties and bring the fire under control. While the loss of these businesses is significant, I am incredibly proud of the professionalism, dedication, and courage demonstrated by every responder on scene.”
The city extended its condolences to the owners, employees and everyone affected by the fire.
“These businesses have long been valued members of our community, and their loss will be felt by many.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Residents are asked to avoid the area while crews complete their work and the scene remains secured.
Original:
An early morning fire Wednesday, July 15, has significantly damaged a trio of businesses in downtown Armstrong.
The blaze broke out in the 2500 block of Pleasant Valley Boulevard just before 12 a.m. Wednesday, July 15. and a post on social media said flames could be seen at 2:45 a.m., with the poster updating until 4:30 a.m.
Businesses affected by the fire, according to the post, are the Wild Oak Café, Twisted Purl Yarn Studio, and The Great Wall restaurant, to which James and Lindsay Pringle – associated with the restaurant –replied to the comments.
“We at The Great Wall are devastated for our friends and neighbouring businesses, but extra upset for The Wild Oak family. Our restaurant building is structurally sound, but has water damage to the basement which is fixable. Unfortunately, the building is without power and we are not allowed access, so all food, etc., will be spoiled.
“We will be back up and running as soon as possible, but it may be a month or more before we are functional. Our sincerest gratitude goes out to our firefighting team members!”
Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Chief Ian McKechnie said crews were still putting out hot spots at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. His team got some mutual support in battling the blaze.
“We had 40 firefighters on this one,” said McKechnie. “We had help from BX Swan Lake, Enderby, and Vernon, which helped with another ladder.”
Nobody was hurt in the blaze, though one resident of a neighbouring building was evacuated due to smoke exposure.
The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce posted to its social media pages in regards to the fire in historic downtown Armstrong.
“We are incredibly grateful to our firefighters, first responders, and all those working tirelessly to keep our community safe,” said the chamber. “As the situation continues to unfold, we encourage everyone to rely on official updates and to give emergency crews the space they need to do their work.
“Historic Downtown Armstrong is more than a collection of businesses — it’s the heart of our community. Today, we are thinking of the business owners, employees, neighbouring businesses, residents, and everyone impacted.
“We know our community has a remarkable way of coming together in difficult times, and when the time is right, we’ll stand together once again in support of our downtown.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation.