An airtanker dropping fire retardant on the fire near the Battle Bluffs trailhead on June 15, 2025. (Image Credit: Kenny Nesbitt/Facebook)
Wildfire Updates

Wildfire near Battle Bluffs trailhead under control, BCWS says

Jun 16, 2025 | 6:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says the wildfire that sparked west of the Battle Bluffs trailhead on Sunday (June 15) afternoon is currently under control.

“BCWS responded with both ground crews as well as aerial resources and today the fire is estimated at 1.5 hectares in size,” Information Officer Cali Nessman told CFJC Today Monday (June 16).

This particular fire is suspected to be human caused, and Nessman said it was one of several new fire starts reported across the Kamloops Fire Centre over the past few days.

“Since Thursday, the Kamloops Fire Centre has seen six new wildfires, three of which were suspected human caused and the remaining suspected lightning cause,” Nessman said.

All of those fires are currently being classified as being held or under control by the BC Wildfire Service. As of publishing, there were six total fires across the Kamloops Fire Centre, five of which were under control.

“Just make sure you’re being extra vigilant especially if you’re having campfire,” Nessman cautioned. “Make sure you’re have the correct fire suppression tools on hand, whether that’s water or hand tools. Be sure to also check to make sure there aren’t any campfire prohibitions in place as local governments has the ability to exact their own prohibitions.”

At present, all fires larger than campfires are prohibited across the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Since last Thursday (June 12), the BC Wildfire Service said there were 943 lightning strikes throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre, most of which were on Thursday itself.

“Lighting strikes do not always mean a new fire,” Nessman added. “It can cause an ignition that will smolder in the ground and it can go undetected for a number of days, even weeks, before it can become visible to the public or aerial resources.”

With fire activity expected to pick up following the recent spell of warmer than normal temperatures, Nessman said people should report any fires they see as quickly as possible.