Monday, August 3, 2026

📰 News

Wildfire smoke disrupted the Kamloops International Cup, but organizers say the soccer tournament still made important gains. Smoke forced the men’s competition to be cancelled and reduced attendance, but Nottingham Forest’s women’s first team travelled from England for the event and held two preseason camps. Kamloops United says the international exposure has already prompted inquiries from other European and British clubs. (Castanet)

At least one TNRD electoral area will have a new representative after the October 17 election. David Laird is retiring after 14 years as the Area M director and 28 years in local politics, including time as Merritt’s mayor and a city councillor. Six of the regional district’s other nine electoral-area directors have confirmed they are seeking re-election. (Castanet)

Cat Video Fest is returning to the Paramount Theatre with a local fundraising tie-in. The compilation of cat clips screens Friday, and a portion of ticket sales will support Sammy’s Forgotten Felines, a Kamloops rescue that traps and rehabilitates feral cats. (CFJC Today)

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🏛️ What Changed

Evacuation alerts for all 56 properties near the Guichon Creek fire have been lifted. The TNRD and District of Logan Lake rescinded their alerts Sunday after the 145-hectare fire was classified as being held. Crews reported no overnight growth and were continuing to extinguish hot spots inside the perimeter. (Castanet · CFJC Today)

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🚨 Safety

Highway 97 closed between Kamloops and Vernon after the Bradley Creek fire crossed the highway. The human-caused fire had grown to about 2,603 hectares by Sunday morning, and the BC Wildfire Service expected gusts up to 70 km/h to drive further activity. Westside Road was also closed between Bench Creek Road and Cortiana Bridge after an unexpected wind shift pushed the fire toward Okanagan Lake. (CFJC Today)

The Pear Lake fire reached about 115,438 hectares after another day of significant growth. Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and lighter winds were expected to reduce fire behaviour Sunday, though drought-stressed fuels remain highly susceptible to ignition. Crews were working around structures in Chasm and building containment lines east of Highway 97, while evacuation orders and alerts remained in effect across a broad area. (Castanet)

Kamloops RCMP received nine reports in two days about fraudulent traffic-ticket texts. The messages impersonate police officers and direct recipients to a fake payment page that requests credit-card information. Police say they do not collect ticket payments or banking details by text; recipients should ignore the link and verify any supposed officer or file number directly with their local detachment. (Castanet)

First responders quickly contained a small brush fire near downtown Kamloops Sunday afternoon. RCMP used extinguishers before firefighters arrived at the roughly 10-by-10-metre fire on the hill south of Seymour Street. Crews stopped it before it reached nearby properties; the cause had not been determined. (Castanet)

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📅 Events

Browse the Kamloops Events directory for more BC Day options. With smoke in the forecast and the AQHI at moderate risk, check current conditions before spending extended time outdoors.

The BC Wildlife Park marks its 60th anniversary Monday. The BC Day celebration takes place at the park east of Kamloops. (Tourism Kamloops)

The Rube Band plays Music in the Park at 7 p.m. The free show is at the Riverside Park Rotary Bandshell. (City of Kamloops)

A four-day Canadian Blood Services donor event begins Monday. Appointments run through Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kamloops. (Event listing)

ArtZone Summer Camp begins at Sun Peaks. The five-day program runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and combines art, movement and creative activities for children. (Sun Peaks Resort)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

🌫️ Smoke is forecast Monday with a high near 27°C. The latest AQHI reading was 6, in the moderate-risk range. Tuesday is expected to be sunny near 31°C, followed by more sun and a high near 34°C Wednesday.

Anyone travelling toward Vernon should check current conditions before leaving. Highway 97 was closed after the Bradley Creek fire crossed the route, and conditions can change quickly. (CFJC Today)

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🎮 Daily Game

Amountle: guess the price and let each miss narrow the range.