Thursday, August 6, 2026

📰 News

A new Kamloops training program will prepare up to 12 people for careers in early childhood education. The province is providing $253,653 to Kamloops Immigrant Services for a 57-week program covering workplace preparation, basic ECE training, supervised practicums and employment support. The program is intended to help participants enter licensed child-care settings while addressing a local workforce shortage. (Province of British Columbia · CFJC Today)

TRU’s new baker apprenticeship has moved into its second level with another full class. Fifteen students completed Level 1 on July 31, and Level 2 began Monday at full enrolment. The program’s twice-weekly bake sales have also been selling out shortly after opening, drawing customers from both campus and the wider community. (TRU)

The Kamloops Art Gallery is offering free admission to wildfire evacuees and others affected by the fires. Visitors can identify themselves to admissions staff for access to the downtown gallery’s air-conditioned space, seating, reading materials and exhibitions. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, with extended hours Thursday evening. (Castanet)

Highway 97 has reopened north of Vernon after the Bradley Creek fire closure. Two-way traffic resumed Wednesday between Salmon River Road and Spallumcheen. Drivers should still expect traffic-control personnel and changing conditions along the route. (CFJC Today)

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🏛️ What Changed

Police, fire and community-service calls decreased along most of seven major Kamloops corridors in the second quarter. City data covering areas including Tranquille Road, Victoria Street, Columbia Street and Notre Dame Drive showed fewer RCMP calls across most corridors from April through June. Kamloops Fire Rescue and Community Services calls also declined in several areas, though the results varied by corridor. (Castanet)

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🚨 Safety

At least 120 TNRD properties have suffered structure losses in the Pear Lake fire. The count was current as of Monday and is expected to rise as rapid assessments continue near Chasm and Meadow Lake Road. The figure does not include losses inside the Village of Clinton, where most properties avoided serious damage but power remained out. (CFJC Today)

Evacuation alerts expanded again as the Pear Lake fire reached about 126,876 hectares. Sixteen more properties on Highway 99 and Jackson Road were placed on alert, bringing the TNRD’s Pear Lake alert area to roughly 229 addressed properties. Two Watson Bar Road properties were also added to an alert for the 39,000-hectare French Bar Creek fire. (Castanet)

A helicopter pilot suffered minor injuries in a crash during South Cariboo wildfire operations. The aircraft went down in a lake near 70 Mile House Tuesday morning while working on the Big Bar wildfire complex. The pilot was the only person aboard and was taken to hospital; an incident investigation is underway. (Castanet)

Several Boston Bar-area evacuation orders have been downgraded to alerts. Residents in Boston Bar, Scuzzy Creek, Nahatlatch, North Boothroyd, Fishblue Lake, North Bend and Canyon Alpine may return if they choose, but must remain ready to leave. The Brunswick Creek fire remains out of control, Highway 1 remains closed south of Boston Bar and a boil-water advisory is active in affected service areas. (Castanet)

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📅 Events

Browse the Kamloops Events directory for more August listings. An orange air-quality warning is active and the AQHI reached the high-risk range, so indoor options may be the better choice.

The City of Kamloops council-candidate information session runs from 4 to 8 p.m. The free session at Sandman Centre explains the role, workload and responsibilities of serving on council. (City of Kamloops · Eventbrite)

The Kamloops Film Society screens Hadestown: The Musical at 7 p.m. The filmed stage production plays at the Paramount Theatre. (Kamloops Film Society · Castanet Events)

Writers Circle meets at Kamloops Library. The inclusive adult group offers a space for writers with diverse voices to share work, create and encourage one another. (TNRL)

Caleb Hart & Friends begin a two-night run at the Blue Grotto. The 19-plus live-music shows continue Friday. (Blue Grotto · Tourism Kamloops)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

🌫️ Smoke and a high near 34°C are forecast Thursday. The latest AQHI reading was 9, in the high-risk range, and an orange air-quality warning is active. Friday is expected to be sunny near 35°C, followed by a mix of sun and cloud Saturday near 33°C.

Reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activity if you develop coughing or throat irritation. People at higher risk should consider moving activities indoors while smoke concentrations and the AQHI remain elevated. (Environment Canada)

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🎮 Daily Game

Really Bad Chess: play chess with an absurdly mismatched set of pieces.