Concern changes as Kamloops Fire Centre wildfires calm

“Runoff can happen, debris flows can happen in areas that are recently affected by wildfire,” cautioned Davies. “It’s unfortunate people would have to be concerned about that, but it’s an unfortunate reality that people in affected areas should be aware of – the potential for water to show up in places it hasn’t on your property based off burn scars in the area.”

The TNRD has nine properties total still on evacuation order as of Monday (Aug. 31) morning, with hundreds still on alert thanks to the Ainslie Creek and Pear Lake wildfires.

“The work has just started in some places that have been affected. We’ve [noted] about 126 properties in the TNRD that have had structure loss,” added Davies.

Even some without major structure loss, like ranchers, are facing an uphill battle.

“If an alert comes down, comes off, they would be able to move their livestock home but they may not have feed or fencing. There is a ton of individual work going on with dozens if not 100-plus ranchers who are in that situation, too,” said Davies.

While positives remain, due to the sheer size of the fires in the region, it’s expected hot spots will burn long into the fall.

“We’ve been briefed the same on the conditions and the word ‘drought’ we’ve heard from the wildfire service more than any other word particularly this year. We are aware of the conditions and how concerning they are and how concerning the drought is.”

by Michael Reeve

Concern changes as Kamloops Fire Centre wildfires calm

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