(Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Kamloops Fire Update

Fires near Juniper Ridge and Valleyview being held, KFR receiving assistance

Jul 3, 2021 | 8:32 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops East interface fires adjacent to parts of Juniper Ridge and Valleyview continued to be held Friday (July 2) evening.

A statement from the Kamloops Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) said the most heavily fuelled areas have been mitigated, and the perimeter and corners have been tightened.

“We are seeing relief on this fire, with the most aggressive hot spots tamped down,” said Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) Chief Steve Robinson said.

There continues to be no need for an evacuation order due to efforts from ground and air crews. B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) had multiple air assets dropping water buckets and fire retardant in the area.

Seven KFR personnel remained at site overnight for rolling patrols. Several members of Kamloops’ Civic Operations team also monitored the city’s water flow overnight to ensure an abundant water supply will continue to be available at the ready for KFR.

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As of publication, the EOC is operating at Level Three, meaning it will remain active 24 hours per day. The City of Kamloops continues a unified command with KFR, RCMP, B.C. Ambulance, and BCWS.

The City has requested additional resources from the B.C. government, should they be needed, with equipment arriving in Kamloops this morning (July 3). They include three trailers equipped with various equipment such as pumps, water bladders, hoses, and sprinklers, that can be deployed around structures as needed for extra protection.

The trailers also come with personnel to deploy the equipment, which would allow KFR crews to remain focused on their established fire ground efforts.

Five other municipalities’ fire engines will also be arriving today to boost KFR, should crews require more assistance in the coming days.

The Kamloops East interface fires flared up Friday afternoon after they were caused by numerous lightning strikes in the Kamloops area Thursday (July 1) evening.

The City of Kamloops reminds all residents and businesses to immediately cease all irrigation to protect water supply for the fire crews.