Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today
EMERGENCY TRAIL MARKERS

Kamloops Fire Rescue brings in emergency trail marker system throughout city

Jan 30, 2025 | 5:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — Dozens of trail markers have been installed in nature parks around the city of Kamloops, serving as another way for emergency responders to quickly find people who have called for help.

Kamloops Fire Rescue says the emergency trail markers are meant to work the same as giving an address to a 9-1-1 dispatcher. Sign numbers are all registered in KFR’s system and can give a more exact location.

“Basically, now we have trail markers through every city trail network. The idea is if you’re stuck somewhere, you can reference this trail number, call 9-1-1, we’ll know where it is and where you are, and it makes it a lot easier for us to get there quicker,” says KFR Life Safety Educator Captain Jeff Pont.

Pont says most of the legwork to get the project off the ground was taken on by KFR member Jarod Bulk, who was inspired by similar programs in other recreational areas.

The signs come as the city has seen more and more people utilizing trails for walking, hiking and mountain biking. And so far, the markers have been set up in all of the city’s nature parks.

“As you pass a number, maybe just remember that number, that’s the whole point. You don’t need to be right next to a sign — you just need to remember one you’ve passed, reference that to us and then we take care of the rest.”

Around 80 signs have already been installed, and according to the city’s website, the goal is to extend the signage out along all directions of the Rivers Trail system this year.