By Doug Collins

Rain and lightning overnight, more on the way

Jul 20, 2017 | 5:32 AM

KAMLOOPS — The smell of fresh rainfall was evident in Kamloops, a welcome relief for those fighting the wildfires.

The overnight rain won’t be enough to dampen the fire danger much, but cooler temperatures and more showers for today and tonight could provide firefighters with a bit of a respite as they fight the blazes throughout the province.

Lightning accompanied the rainfall, but Kamloops Fire and Rescue says there were no reports of fires within the City, although they did get lots of calls from worried residents who spotted the lightning strikes up in the hills. 

In the more rural areas, lightning-caused fires often smolder for a time before becoming visible. That means wildfire officials will be keeping an especially vigilant eye over the next few days in case any new blazes spring to life.

The weather forecast for Thursday calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms, and more could hit the area tonight. 

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Air quality is low this morning. The index sits at “2” which is low risk, but it’s expected to rise to “7”, or high risk, as the day wears on. 

A reminder if you spot a wildfire within the City, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you’re in the rural areas, call  800-663-5555 or *5555 from your mobile device. 

And police remind you to report anyone throwing cigarette butts from their vehicles. A fire in Rosehill yesterday might have been started by a tossed cigarette. 

In Cranbrook, police ticketed one driver for throwing his butt out the window, and law enforcement officials throughout the province are watching drivers carefully to ensure they don’t start a tragedy with their carelessness.