The City of Kamloops has announced that it will not be closing nature parks and trails to the public during extreme fire danger periods.
On Friday, the city issued a news release saying the decision was made “after a comprehensive review and consultation with Kamloops Fire Rescue, BC Wildfire Service, and internal City divisions.”
Normally, the city tends to close parks and trails to reduce traffic in high-risk nature zones and to preserve firefighting resources.
However, the news release says the choice to keep parks and trails open this summer when the wildfire danger rating hits high or extreme was made after considering factors like concerns voiced by residents and parks user groups and recognizing the “invaluable role” of public vigilance in our parks during times of heightened fire risk.
According to the release, if there is an interface wildfire event in the city or there is a wildfire encroaching on municipal boundaries, parks and trails near the active fire zone will be closed to the public.
“This measure is essential to ensuring public safety and concentrating resources on emergency response, including heavy equipment and aerial support,” the city says.
“Details regarding park closures will be communicated promptly if such an incident occurs.”
The city says it encourages all residents and visitors to continue reporting fires and keeping vehicles and bikes away from dry areas this summer to avoid starting a new fire.
People are also reminded that smoking is always prohibited in all city parks and walking trails.
To report park misuse, such as smoking, campfires, and unauthorized vehicles, residents are asked to call Community Services at (250) 828-3409 and report the time and park location.
If a fire is suspected, the public is asked to immediately call 911 or *5555 on a mobile device.
