Wednesday, August 12, 2026

☕ Good Morning

A quick apology before the August 12 news: there was no Kamloops Digest in your inbox on Tuesday, August 11. We missed that edition, and we’re sorry for the gap. Thanks for your patience—we’re back with the local updates that matter.

---

📰 News

Kamloops unemployment held at 6.5 per cent in July after climbing through the spring. The local economy added an estimated 400 jobs, bringing employment to about 63,300. Kamloops remains near the middle of comparable B.C. markets, though uncertainty continues in the forestry sector and the rate is well above February’s 3.8 per cent. (Radio NL)

TRU has joined the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion as an employer partner. The university will receive access to national research, training, webinars and workplace resources to support its equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism work. TRU says its equity office will incorporate those tools into learning opportunities across campus. (TRU Newsroom)

A Kamloops artisan has turned an archaeology background into a stone-tool craft. Eric Van Stone creates functional knives and other tools using flintknapping techniques, shaping materials such as obsidian through controlled strikes and pressure. His work connects archaeological knowledge with a contemporary local practice. (The Wren)

Temporary smoke relief may arrive through Friday. A shift to northerly or northeasterly winds could push smoke from major fires west and south of Kamloops away from the city. Scattered showers may also improve afternoon air quality, though thunderstorms bring the competing risks of lightning and gusty winds near active fires. (CFJC Today)

---

🏛️ What Changed

Evacuation orders were downgraded for about 365 properties near the Pear Lake wildfire. Properties in the Loon Lake and 20 Mile areas are now under evacuation alert, while 14 properties around Hihium Lake moved from alert to all-clear. The fire grew rapidly east during a sudden wind shift Monday, but crews have secured roughly 30 kilometres of containment line on its northern flank. (Castanet)

---

🚨 Safety

Evacuation alerts have expanded along the Coquihalla corridor as the Ainslie Creek fire moves east. Its southeastern edge was mapped less than 10 kilometres from Highway 5, while the northeastern flank was about 20 kilometres northwest of Merritt. Lower Nicola Indian Band ordered the evacuation of Speous IR No. 8, and Merritt is preparing residents in case conditions require a city alert. (Castanet · CFJC Today)

Two lightning-caused wildfires are burning north of Kamloops. An initial-attack crew responded to a spot-sized fire near Little Fort and Highway 5, while ground crews joined helicopter and heavy-equipment work on the 364-hectare Saskum Lake fire northeast of North Barriere Lake. The Saskum Lake recreation site remains closed. (Castanet)

Police issued more than $15,000 in fines for unauthorized entry into evacuated Clinton. RCMP and conservation officers are enforcing the order while utility crews, engineers and other authorized workers operate in the village. Officials say there have been no reported lootings and ask residents with security-camera concerns to contact the Clinton emergency operations centre. (Castanet)

Kamloops nature parks remain open, but the city is urging extreme caution. Smoking is prohibited in city parks and trails, vehicles should be kept away from dry grass, and smoke or fire should be reported immediately to 911. Outside city limits, residents can call 911 or dial *5555 from a cellphone. (City of Kamloops)

---

📅 Events

Browse more listings in the Kamloops Events directory. Check air quality and organizer updates before heading to outdoor programs.

The Wednesday Farmers’ Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Vendors set up on the 400 block of Victoria Street beside the TNRD Library. (Kamloops Farmers’ Market)

Multi-Player Madness offers gaming for ages 10 to 14. The North Kamloops Library program includes virtual reality, video games and multiplayer matches. (TNRL)

Studio Chill is a free art drop-in for ages 15 to 25. Participants can explore different materials, styles and techniques from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kamloops Art Gallery studios. (Kamloops Art Gallery)

Lovestruck plays a free Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute at 7 p.m. Music in the Park continues at the Riverside Park Rotary Bandshell, subject to air-quality conditions. (City of Kamloops)

---

🛣️ Roads & Weather

🌦️ A chance of showers and a high near 27°C are forecast Wednesday. The latest AQHI reading was between 3 and 4, in the moderate-risk range, though an orange air-quality warning remains active. Thursday brings another chance of showers near 28°C before a mix of sun and cloud Friday.

Smoke can return quickly when winds change. If conditions worsen, reduce strenuous outdoor activity and watch for coughing, throat irritation, wheezing or shortness of breath. People at higher risk should consider moving activities indoors. (Environment Canada)

---

🎮 Daily Game

Dialed: match colours from memory in five quick rounds.