Image Credit: M. Sheridan

By Dave Barry

Wildfires

Thursday night lightning storm leads to 14 new fires in Kamloops Fire Centre

Jul 2, 2021 | 11:02 AM

KAMLOOPS – The BC Wildfire Service says a massive electrical storm that crossed over Kamloops last night (July 1) produced 14 new fires in the area.

Among the new starts was the large wildfire that threatened homes in the Valleyview and Juniper Ridge communities.

Kamloops Fire Centre Information Officer Shaelee Stearns says the rain that fell with the storm helped to control the fires. “The precipitation definitely helped in our response to it and was definitely a benefit in the evening.”

While Kamloops Fire Rescue led the response to that fire and other lightning started fires in the city, the BC Wildfire Service supported firefighting efforts.

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Stearns says there are now 28 fires burning in the Kamloops Fire Centre. “With this dry weather right now, it’s especially important to be vigilant and to be cautious.”

If you spot a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 or dial *5555 on your cell phone.

Environment Canada doesn’t expect we’ll will see a repeat weather performance tonight, however a heat warning remains in place for the region with high temperatures expected to be the in the 30’s today.

A Smoky Skies Bulletin is also in place, advising residents, especially those with respiratory issues, to take extra precautions to deal with wildfire smoke in the Kamloops airshed.