Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Swagath Swamy

EVACUEES

Kamloops welcomes over 500 evacuees

Aug 20, 2023 | 2:31 PM

KAMLOOPS – The City of Kamloops has welcomed more than 500 families since August 17 at the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre at McArthur Island.

A large volume of people who have been impacted by the wildfires have arrived at ESS looking for emergency support services, help and assistance.

Greg Wightman, Emergency Operations Centre Director, says that a group lodging facility has been established at McArthur Island, operated on behalf of the Province.

He explains group lodging is a stop in point for evacuees who are waiting to receive ESS assistance and have no accommodation options. The lodging currently has 94 beds, but changes have been happening by the minute.

Wightman says they are also making space for first responders and supporting BC Wildfire Service crews. He adds that 500 tents have been set up on the soccer field behind the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre as a temporary location for fire crews after an evacuation order was issued for the Squilax Bridge area.

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Wightman adds, “Kamloops fire and rescue is supporting B.C. Wildfire Services, with a couple of structural protection units that are doing tactical patrols in Kelowna area and another in Scotch creek, patrolling the Bush Creek East fire.”