The City of Kamloops is closing all nature parks and trails once again due to the extreme fire danger, recent weather, and current drought conditions.
Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc says the closure takes effect at 4 p.m. today, August 18.
It applies to all of the trails that connect Barnhartvale to Peterson Creek through Juniper Ridge, as well as the Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park, Kenna Cartwright Park, Peterson Creek Nature Park, Rose Hill Park, Skyline Park, and Valleyview Nature Park.
It also includes the Kamloops Bike Ranch and the Barnhartvale Landfill and Yard Waste Depot
“The parks will be closed to bike, pedestrian, and vehicular traffic,” Uzeloc said. “Parks crews are in the process of installing closure signs and will continue to do so over the next few days.”
“Crews will also be monitoring City parks to ensure residents and visitors are abiding by closures, and Community Services Officers may issue fines for violations.”
Friday’s closure comes just three days after the City said “was prepared to allow nature spaces to remain open” due to an increased presence of BC Wildfire Service crews in the area.
Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Cail says the situation has since changed.
“I think everybody can see the volatile situation that we’re in out there. Not only is it hot and dry, but the winds exacerbate the situation that we’re in right now,” he said, noting things are “dynamic and fluid.”
“We’re not there to try and stop people from enjoying the back country. Our primary goal is to keep people and property safe, and of course, try and limit any kind of secondary ignition or any other ignitions at this time to keep our resources available for the next emergency.”
It is the second closure of nature parks and trails in Kamloops this year. Nature parks and trails were closed ahead of the BC Day long weekend on Aug. 4, before reopening one week later after some rain and cooler temperatures.
“Residents are reminded that smoking is always prohibited in all City parks and walking trails,” Uzeloc added.
“Given the extremely dry conditions, the City urges residents to be extremely cautious with smoking materials in all areas of the city and to only use designated containers to dispose of cigarettes, matches, and other smoking-related materials.
The City is also urging people to report users of closed parks by calling Community Services at 250-828-3409. They’re also being urged to call 911 if the suspect there is a fire in nature parks or trails.
“The public can play an important role in fire prevention by staying aware, reporting fires immediately, and keeping all vehicles and bikes away from dry areas,” the City added.
You can find more information on fire prevention here.