Image Credit: Contributed
Landfill Fire

Crews battle large Sunday fire at Tkemlúps landfill

Jun 16, 2025 | 12:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — The operator of the Stswékstem Engineered Waste Management Facility on Tkemlúps te Secwépemc says crews made quick work of a fire that broke out at the landfill late Sunday (June 15) evening.

In a statement, Jason Haller, the Vice President of Grassland Organics, told CFJC Today that the fire was sparked on the open face of the landfill around 10 p.m. Sunday. Pictures shared on social media showed smoke and flames visible across a large area of Kamloops, including as far away as Aberdeen.

Haller said Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) crews worked with three employees of Grassland Organics to bring the fire under control.

“Thanks to the swift and coordinated response, the fire was fully extinguished without any injuries or damage to equipment or infrastructure,” Haller said, noting the facility at 801 Strawberry Hill Lane was closed Sunday.

“An internal review will be conducted to better understand the cause and to assess any necessary preventative measures moving forward.”

Flames from the landfill fire on Tkemlúps te Secwépemc. (Image Credit: Shelese Dent/Facebook)

Reached for comment, Kamloops Fire Rescue told CFJC that they don’t comment on incidents that take place on the reserve, and directed questions to Tkemlúps te Secwépemc.

In his statement, Haller said Grassland Organics is appreciative of the efforts of its employees, KFR and Tkemlúps te Secwépemc security personnel “for their quick response and collaboration.”

“Their combined efforts were critical in resolving the situation safely and efficiently,” Haller said.

This was the second fire at the Stswékstem Engineered Waste Management Facility in the last two months. Black smoke was seen billowing from the facility on April 14, though Tk’emlúps said “there was no cause for concern.”