File Photo, Valleyview Nature Park (Image Credit: Contributed / Chevonne Marshall)

By James Peters

Wildfire Situation

City of Kamloops closes nature parks, urges extreme caution due to fire risk

Jul 1, 2021 | 11:17 AM

KAMLOOPS — The chief of Kamloops Fire Rescue is sounding an urgent warning for Kamloops residents to be extremely cautious due to the risk of out-of-control fires.

In a City of Kamloops news release, Chief Steve Robinson said conditions are perfect for fires to spread quickly, like the one that devastated Lytton Wednesday (June 30).

“We haven’t seen conditions like this in Kamloops ever before. I want citizens to know that the fire conditions are beyond dangerous,” said Robinson. “Everybody needs to take extreme care. Because Lytton could be us.”

Acting Mayor Arjun Singh extended the city’s condolences to residents of Lytton and the surrounding communities.

Robinson notes the ramifications of the Lytton fire – and the conditions that led to the devastation – are not over.

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“These fires are going to continue to be a problem and the aftermath is going to be with us for a long time,” he said.

Meantime, the City has closed all local nature parks due to the extreme fire risk.

As of 12:00 noon Thursday (July 1), the following parks are closed to the public:

• Batchelor Nature Park
• Campbell Creek Nature Park
• Capilano Park
• Trail connecting Barnhartvale to Peterson Creek through Juniper
• Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park
• Gleneagles Park
• High Canada Place Park
• Kamloops Bike Ranch
• Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
• Peterson Creek Nature Park
• Pineview Valley Park
• Rose Hill Park
• Sahali Terrace Nature Park
• Sifton Loop Trail
• Skyline Park
• Valleyview Nature Park
• West Highland Nature Park

Crews are installing closure signs and monitoring to ensure the public stays out.

Smoking is already prohibited in all City parks and trails.

The City has also closed the Barnhartvale Landfill and Yard Waste Depot, encouraging residents to use other waste disposal facilities.