KSAR members are seeing staging in this file photo. (Image Credit: Kamloops Search and Rescue)

By Victor Kaisar

SAR Training

Kamloops Search and Rescue to hold mock training exercise in Paul Lake Saturday

Apr 10, 2025 | 6:33 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR) will be holding a training exercise in the Paul Lake area this Saturday (April 12) in partnership with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD).

In a post on Facebook, KSAR says the exercise will simulate a wildfire threatening the community, which is located east of Kamloops.

“This is an exercise only, and residents are not in danger,” KSAR said. “The goal of the exercise is to practice and improve notification procedures that would be implemented in a real emergency situation.”

KSAR says its members will be “present and easily identifiable” while the training exercise is taking place. They also say they will not be asking residents for any personal information as part of this training.

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“Only a portion of households in the area will receive notifications; those who are notified will receive a handout and an information package regarding the exercise,” KSAR added.

This Saturday’s training exercise comes after a recent meeting between KSAR, the TNRD, and Barriere Search and Rescue where members “refreshed our evacuation documenting processing skills.”

“KSAR is regularly tasked with delivering evacuation orders and alerts to our communities during wildfire season when they are under threat,” an April 2 post from KSAR said.

“Team members go door-to-door not only to inform residents about evacuation alerts and orders but also to find out If there are minors, seniors, or individuals with mobility issues who may be staying behind. This information will aid the RCMP in checking on those who do not or can not comply with evacuation notices.”

KSAR also said its teams undertook wildfire safety training to ensure they can navigate during tasks if they are working close to active fires.

“We would like to express our appreciation to the many Wildfire Fighters in our province and beyond for their hard work and dedication in protecting our communities,” KSAR added.

“We send our gratitude and encouragement to support you during the upcoming wildfire season.”

People in the Paul Lake area with questions about this Saturday’s training exercise are being asked to contact the TNRD Emergency Services at 250-377-6321.