File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Wildfire Situation

New spot fires being held, but Kamloops-area wildfire officials on alert for new starts

Jul 5, 2024 | 1:56 PM

KAMLOOPS — A new wildfire that sprung up Thursday (July 4) north of Kamloops Lake is now being held, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

The Dewdrop Creek fire only grew to spot size before it was brought to heel.

Fire Information Officer Aydan Coray says the fire was believed to have been sparked by lightning, even though it was only discovered days after the last lightning strikes in the area.

“Lightning can hold over for a period of time — sometimes up to weeks — until warmer weather can come dry the area out and that fire can act up again,” Coray told CFJC Today.

Another spot fire that was discovered south of Spences Bridge Thursday is also now being held.

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Heading into a scorching stretch that will start with a hot, dry weekend, Coray says wildfire officials are asking residents to keep watch for new starts.

“We’re hoping the public can keep an eye out for any wildfires or unattended campfires that they may see while they’re out and about this weekend, as well as practicing their good campfire usage and being safe,” she said. “Always have water on site or a hand tool and report any unattended campfires or wildfires that you see.”

There are no campfire bans outside of municipal boundaries in the Kamloops area to date, but Coray says that can change very quickly.

“It is something we continually evaluate as a fire centre with our local and regional experts. There are many different factors that go into it. We are going to continue monitoring that quite closely over the next period here.”

Meantime, the Skwlax te Secwepemcu’lecw has announced a complete fire prohibition within reserve boundaries, starting Friday at 12:00 noon.