UPDATE – 11:30 a.m. – Kamloopsians are being told to stay away from the Mission Flats landfill as firefighters battle a blaze that broke out this morning.
In an update at 11:25 a.m., firefighters said they’re making slow progress on the fire.
“This type of fire requires a high volume of water to fight with…unfortunately water supplies are limited, there are no hydrants close to the fire, so all water must be shuttled in [from the Domtar pulp mill nearby] with our water tender trucks,” their statement said.
The Mission Flats landfill is closed today, and the City says the fire is contained to the appliance and metal drop-off area. As of 9:30 a.m., there were nine firefighters and three apparatus at the site.
“It is a stubborn fire, with plenty of items to fuel it, leading to continued clouds of thick, black smoke to be emitted into the air,” the City statement noted.
Thick, black smoke could be seen rising from the landfill around 9:00 a.m. with people also being told to stay indoors as the smoke could be toxic.
“Kamloops Fire Rescue recommends residents avoid breathing the smoke from the Mission Flats Landfill fire,” City staff said. “[As of 11:10 a.m.,] wind is currently blowing the smoke toward the east. Residents in the impacted neighbourhoods should consider staying indoors until the air clears.”
Parts of the Kamloops – including downtown and Brocklehurst – were covered in a smoky haze with a suffocating smell, described by NL’s Howie Reimer as ‘burning electrical and ballast oil’.
“A lot of appliances (including refrigerators) [are] burning,” firefighters said on twitter. “KFR is requesting anyone downwind being affected by the smoke to shelter in place in their homes.”
As of 10:00 a.m., the Air Quality Health Index for Kamloops was at 3 or low, but it’s unclear if it could change as the situation unfolds.
“Black smoke above Kamloops is going to be unsettling for a lot of folks, and stir up some unpleasant memories of years past,” Kevin Skrepnek, the Emergency Program Coordinator with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District said.
“Be gentle with yourselves today, monitor air quality, and tune in to the good folks at Kamloops Fire for updates.”
People who planned on going to the landfill today are being redirected to the Barnhartvale landfill which will be open until 4:30 p.m. They’re also being told to bring cash.
No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
(Photo via City of Kamloops)
Kamloops Fire Rescue recommends residents avoid breathing the smoke from the Mission Flats Landfill fire. Wind is currently blowing the smoke toward the east. Residents in the impacted neighborhoods should consider staying indoors until the air clears. pic.twitter.com/78a5GavsWI
— City of Kamloops (@cityofkamloops) February 27, 2021
Please avoid the area, this smoke is potentially very toxic. It is the metal recycling area involved- a lot of appliances (including refrigerators) burning. KFR is requesting anyone downwind being affected by the smoke to shelter in place in their homes. pic.twitter.com/evI2e4Gu0Q
— Kamloops Fire Rescue (@KamFire) February 27, 2021
@Kamscan looks like a tire fire at @cityofkamloops landfill pic.twitter.com/SVEOGOWesf
— Rob Fryer (@RobFryer72) February 27, 2021
Black smoke above #Kamloops is going to be unsettling for a lot of folks, and stir up some unpleasant memories of years past. Be gentle with yourselves today, monitor air quality (although it seems to be staying aloft), and tune in to the good folks at @KamFire for updates. pic.twitter.com/gJpQXD0TL8
— Kevin Skrepnek (@KevinSkrepnek) February 27, 2021
