Firefighters remain on scene along Shuswap Road in Kamloops, British Columbia, where Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) continue extinguishing hot spots following a fast-moving landscape fire that burned approximately 20 hectares. Although the wildfire has been classified as held, crews are maintaining a strong presence due to rising temperatures and forecasted winds that could reignite smoldering areas.

The fire broke out on the afternoon of July 6 near Shuswap Road and Harper Ranch–Pinantan Road on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc land. Thick smoke was visible across Kamloops as the blaze spread rapidly through dry grass and sagebrush, prompting an immediate response from Kamloops Fire Rescue, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc firefighters, and the BC Wildfire Service. Airtankers and helicopters were deployed to slow the fire’s advance while ground crews established containment lines.

By Monday evening, the BC Wildfire Service reported that the wildfire was being held, meaning it was expected to remain within its established perimeter under current conditions. Despite that progress, firefighters have continued working to extinguish lingering hot spots and reinforce containment lines to prevent flare-ups.

Kamloops Fire Rescue Platoon Captain Kris Krutop said crews are expected to remain on scene for an extended period.

“We have crews currently working up on the plateau… The wind is going to pick up, so we are going to keep chipping away.”

Krutop also credited the rapid aerial response from the BC Wildfire Service as a key factor in preventing the fire from growing larger.

“The air support was big for us… Once it’s in the sagebrush, it’s very difficult to predict and figure out what you’re going to do to stay ahead of it.”

Investigators believe the fire was human-caused, though officials have not determined whether it was accidental or deliberate. The RCMP, Kamloops Fire Rescue, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, and the BC Wildfire Service are jointly investigating the fire’s origin.

Authorities continue urging the public to avoid the affected area while suppression operations continue. Residents are also reminded to exercise extreme caution around dry grasslands as the Interior experiences hot, dry weather that significantly increases wildfire risk. Fire officials encourage anyone who notices smoke or suspicious fire activity to report it immediately.

Although no homes have been reported lost and no injuries have been announced, crews will remain on site until they are confident all remaining hot spots have been extinguished and there is no risk of the fire escaping containment.

Featured Image: BC Wildfire Service airtankers and Kamloops Fire Rescue crews battling the Shuswap Road landscape fire near Harper Ranch as firefighters continue monitoring hot spots.