Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Amandalina Letterio

HEAT AND SMOKE WARNING

Officials say to be fire safe this long weekend

Jul 30, 2021 | 4:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — A heat and smoke warning for the South Thompson region this long weekend is serving as a reminder for people to be fire safe.

“Definitely no campfires at all, be careful if you’re using vehicles or off-road vehicles not to go anywhere that’s grassy or that can cause a fire. Really, it’s better if you stay in town,” said Alan Hobler, manager at Kamloops Search and Rescue.

Camping isn’t entirely off the table, instead, opt for a local spot.

“I like to get off the grid and camp in the backcountry where there isn’t people but you know, this isn’t the weekend to do that. People should be looking for those supervised campsites that are already fire-smarted and that are capable of ensuring there won’t be any fire starts and where you’ll be protected,” Hobler advised.

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The weather warnings in Kamloops and its surrounding areas – and the province-wide campfire ban – isn’t stopping out of town campers from visiting local campsites.

A Vernon resident named Stacy is visiting a Lac Le Jeune campsite for the long weekend, she told CFJC News, “We’re definitely cutting back on our activities a little bit, we’re taking some breaks between our bike rides and our beach visits, but we’re feeling okay about it.”

Believe it or not, some campers visiting came from Vancouver — where there is no sign of smoke. “We just have our gas operated fire pit and our little grill as well, its gas operated as well,” said one man at the campsite, who felt it was worth it to take a chance with the smoke and drive out to Lac Le Jeune.

Lac Le Jeune was also a break from the smoke for some locals on Friday. Kamloops resident, Steve said, “We were aware of what’s going on and where it was going on, but we felt safe coming up here.”

The Kamloops Fire Centre says the best way to avoid more smoke is to do our part and avoid starting fires.

“If you are choosing to go out into the backcountry areas, really being careful. Especially if you have those off-road vehicles and things like that. If you’re choosing to take a boat out this weekend, that’s wonderful, but really keep your eyes to the sky for any of our aerial resources that might need access to the lake for water,” said Jean Strong, wildfire information officer for the BC Wildfire Service.

“Please just be cautious, only go to those locations where you know you can be safe and you know your activities aren’t going to contribute to the current wildfire situation,” said Hobler.