K61756, located approximately eight kilometres northwest of Tulameen. (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

By Elora McCormack

Wildfire Watch

Lightning strikes spark multiple spot fires in Kamloops and south Cariboo areas

Aug 23, 2026 | 10:22 AM

KAMLOOPS — The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is reporting several lightning-caused spot fires in the Kamloops and southern Cariboo areas after thunderstorm rolling across the region on Saturday (Aug. 23).

According to the BCWS map, nearly 20 new wildfires were sparked following Saturday’s storm in the Kamloops and southern Cariboo region, with the highest concentration in areas south of Merritt.

As of Sunday morning, the BCWS has about half of them listed either ‘being held’ or ‘under control,’ while the others remain out of control.

The BCWS said the weather system brought some precipitation which helped decrease the spread of the newly sparked fires.

“We are responding to multiple new lightning-caused wildfires within the Kamloops Fire Centre,” said the BCWS.

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“Initial attack resources are being deployed to new starts, and we will continue to monitor for holdovers in the coming days.”

Wildfire Service officials are also asking the public to help keep an eye out for any new fire starts, especially after thunderstorms.

“We also encourage the public to download and report new wildfire starts through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app. With the app you can include a photo when reporting,” said the BCWS.

“These photos significantly help operational staff when making resourcing and response decisions. Through these photos they can see the size of the fire, values nearby, fuel type, terrain and even get information on the current weather in the area based on the smoke column.”

The fire near Jacko Lake, south of Kamloops, was among those caused by lightning strikes.

The fire is being held at 44 hectares as of Sunday morning (Aug 23).

by Elora McCormack

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Lightning strikes spark multiple spot fires in Kamloops and south Cariboo areas

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