Large fire breaks out in Juniper-Valleyview area of Kamloops

The Kamloops Fire Department called every available firefighter in to work, and most were put into fighting the fire between Valleyview and Juniper.

Kamloops North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar says the Kamloops Fire Department did a tremendous job dealing with the fire. No structures were lost, and the City says in a news release this morning that the reaction of the fire department, RCMP, Wildfire service and the City’s Emergency Response Centre saved a lot of properties. One initial count identified 400 homes saved on the immediate fire perimeter, valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, and the saving of lives, is, of course, priceless.

It was not the only fire in our area last night. A fire broke out at Strawberry Hill, site of a major blaze back in 2003, and there were other reports of small fires throughout the area.
There are some areas that are still under evacuation alert and order. Best bet for information on evacuation is the TNRD web site, and the City of Kamloops web page.

UPDATE (4:30 am- July 2)

Kamloops Fire Rescue had a busy night battling a large fire that appeared to ignite from a lightning storm in the evening.

The fire started in a wooded area below Juniper Ridge and quickly spread towards homes in the Valleyview area.

At one point RCMP members were going door to door to evacuate some homes under threat. However firefighters managed to bring the flames under control and by 11:30, the evacuation order had been rescinded. However, a tactical evacuation was undertaken shortly after 1:00 AM because of the way the blaze was acting and encompassed a larger area than the initial area. That order is still in effect this morning.

It’s not clear whether any homes were damaged by flames.

The Kamloops Fire Department called every available firefighter in to work, and most were put into fighting the fire between Valleyview and Juniper. Kamloops North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar says the Kamloops Fire Department did a tremendous job dealing with the fire. There are still spot fires in the area that are being dealt with by tired fire crews.

Fire Department platoon captain Troy Grant didn’t have an exact number but said some 200 people in the Juniper Ridge neighbourhood had been evacuated as the fast moving fire advanced toward the area.
Grant said local crews were being heavily taxed battling the fire but he was not aware of any structures being burned or any injuries among residents.

It was not the only fire in our area last night. A fire broke out at Strawberry Hill, site of a major blaze back in 2003, and there were other reports of small fires throughout the area.

No indication at this point of a complete count, but there were thousands of lightning strikes in the Interior, and there will no doubt be many fires that will be spotted in the next few days. These “sleeper” fires stay hidden underground and then break out days later.

If you spot a fire, make sure you call the 9-1-1 line if you’re in Kamloops, or the Wildfire Service number at *5555 on your cell phone.

UPDATE (11:30 p.m.) The City of Kamloops has rescinded tactical evacuations in Valleyview and Juniper Ridge as the wildfire threat eases.

Good news – All tactical evacuation orders have been rescinded. Residents in Valleyview and Juniper Ridge can return home. #kamloops

— City of Kamloops (@cityofkamloops) July 2, 2021

UPDATE (11:10 p.m.) In a news release, the City of Kamloops says RCMP are carrying out a tactical evacuation of all properties south of Valleyview Drive from River Road to Highland Drive.

Properties in Juniper Ridge, north of Nechako Drive are also under tactical evacuation.

Evacuated residents are asked to seek shelter with friends and family for tonight, as the ESS reception centres are currently at capacity supporting evacuees from the Lytton and surrounding area wildfires.

UPDATE: (10:55 p.m.) The City of Kamloops is advising residents of Valleyview and Juniper Ridge who are leaving their homes to stay with family and friends of possible.

Otherwise, residents can register at the Emergency Social Services Centre at McArthur Island.

Acting Mayor Arjun Singh spoke briefly with CFJC Today earlier.

Singh said Kamloops Fire Rescue and the B.C. Wildfire Service are battling a series of fires in Kamloops right now, all started by the lightning that swept through the area earlier.

Singh says he has full confidence in the crews working to suppress the fires.

CFJC‘s Dylana Kneeshaw is in the neighbourhood, and says RCMP are going door to door on Valleyview Drive, knocking on doors and telling residents to leave the area.

EARLIER: A large fire is threatening homes in the Juniper Ridge and Valleyview areas of Kamloops.

The fire began during a lightning storm that swept over the city Thursday night (July 1).

Kamloops Fire Rescue has responded to the fire which can be seen from many areas of the city.

Lightning strikes & fire in Juniper.

From @cityofkamloops: Juniper residents, please stay with family or friends tonight if possible. If not, go to McArthur Island ESS.

BC Emergency Support Services (ESS): 1-800-585-9559

— Sadie Hunter (@SadieKamloops) July 2, 2021

CFJC Today has a team in the field and will continue to update this story.

Image Credit: CFJC Today / Dylana Kneeshaw

by Dave Barry

Large fire breaks out in Juniper-Valleyview area of Kamloops

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