Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

FIRE SAFETY UPDATE

Kamloops citizens asked to remain vigilant for fires after weekend hot spell

Jun 9, 2025 | 5:08 PM

KAMLOOPS – Residents of Kamloops are being asked to keep up fire smart practices in light of a heat wave that came through Kamloops on the weekend. The call comes from Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) after B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) announced high and extreme wildfire warnings in the Kamloops area.

“Right now, Kamloops has an extreme fire danger rating from [BCWS]. Our recommendation is if you’re going to have a campfire, have some water near it, keep it 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres and don’t have any shrubs or dry grass around the fire because flames can spread very quickly,” said Josh Cowen, fire inspector at KFR.

In addition to the wildfire warnings, Kamloops is dealing with drought conditions.

“Things are drying out quicker, which means they are more flammable. Grasses, shrubs and anything in town are more flammable,” said Cowen.

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Currently, the whole province is struggling with drought conditions as temperatures heat up and rain isn’t falling.

“In terms of the drought side of things, now we are seeing the setup this year for increased drought hazard as we go through the summer months. The lower snowpack, as well as early snowmelt with the water moving through the landscape early, means that it puts that water through the systems and less available as we go into the summer months,” said David Campbell, the head of the B.C. River Forecast Centre.

KFR urges people to FireSmart their homes to protect them from wildfires.

“Look at your home. What kind of roof is it made or what kind of siding do you have? Are your soffits vented or are they not vented? Do you know how clean your eaves are? Then, around your house, do you have a bunch of plastics, tires and firewood stacked against your house? If you do have those things, remove them,” said Cowen.

KFR will continue to monitor wildfire hotspots and work with BCWS to keep Kamloops safe.