Tuesday, August 18, 2026

📰 News

The TNRD estimates it has spent $5.5 million operating its Emergency Operations Centre during this summer’s wildfires. The total includes agricultural relocations, security, signs and barricades, outside staff support, safety supplies and early planning for a recovery centre and an after-action review. Chief administrative officer Scott Hildebrand said the province will reimburse much of the regional district’s direct spending, though some costs will remain local and the overall bill is still growing. (CFJC Today)

Thousands of people packed Riverside Park to celebrate Logan Stankoven’s Stanley Cup win. Sunday’s hometown event included tributes from former coaches and hockey figures, a public interview and photo sessions with the Cup. Stankoven also brought the trophy to Royal Inland Hospital earlier in the day, where he visited patients including a Kamloops man living with Stage 4 colon cancer. (CFJC Today)

A Kamloops wildfire scientist says emergency warnings need more ways to reach residents. TRU researcher Mike Flannigan pointed to gaps for people without cellphones or reliable internet access and suggested physical sirens could supplement phone, television and door-to-door alerts. He cited the rapid evacuation of Summerland during the Bald Range fire as an example of how difficult it can be to notify an entire community quickly. (Castanet)

---

🏛️ What Changed

Kamloops has repaid the $13 million it borrowed this spring to cover operating costs before property-tax revenue arrived. Council had authorized up to $40 million in short-term borrowing, but the City used $13 million over roughly four months for expenses including payroll and vendors. The full amount was repaid July 2. Staff said the arrangement allowed the City to leave reserves invested rather than liquidating them during its annual cash-flow gap. (Castanet)

Councillor Katie Neustaeter has announced she will seek a second term in the October municipal election. Neustaeter was first elected in 2022 and said her campaign will emphasize local leadership and accountable advocacy. Candidate nomination papers must still be filed during the official September 1–11 nomination period. (CFJC Today)

---

🚨 Safety

The Ainslie Creek wildfire has been moving south at roughly one kilometre per night near the Fraser Canyon. Updated mapping puts the fire at about 65,309 hectares. BC Wildfire Service says recent growth remains behind two constructed guards, while crews provide round-the-clock structural protection and work to stop the fire from crossing Highway 1. Falling rock and debris continue to create a hazard north of Alexandra Bridge, and hotter, drier weather may increase activity. (Castanet · CFJC Today)

Visible smoke on the Pear Lake wildfire’s northeast flank is coming from unburned pockets inside the existing perimeter. BC Wildfire Service says the fire has not made new gains there, although its northeast and southern flanks remain the most active. About 100 hectares of a proposed 1,215-hectare ignition north of Calcite Peak were completed Sunday; the rest will proceed only under suitable conditions. (Castanet)

A firefighting helicopter pilot escaped injury after an emergency landing north of Cache Creek. BC Wildfire Service says a mechanical failure forced the aircraft down Friday while it was working on the Big Bar fire complex. The pilot was alone and was not hurt. (Castanet)

---

📅 Events

The Kamloops Events directory has 407 listings from 24 local calendars. Here are five Tuesday options.

Yoga in Prince Charles Park runs from 8:45 to 9:40 a.m. The all-levels outdoor class costs $1 to join. (Event listing)

Tiny Tunes gives young children and caregivers a morning of songs and rhymes. The program at the downtown Kamloops Library supports early language development and is designed for children up to age five. (TNRL)

Splash & Win Water Trivia tests adults on their water knowledge. The North Kamloops Library hosts the free trivia challenge, with prizes available for participants. (TNRL)

Youth Hub offers a drop-in space for ages 13 to 17. Teens can meet friends, use technology, make crafts or play games at the North Kamloops Library. (TNRL)

Jade Elephant plays Music in the Park at 7 p.m. The free rock-and-roll set takes place at the Riverside Park Rotary Bandshell. (City of Kamloops)

---

🛣️ Roads & Weather

🌤️ Tuesday should bring a mix of sun and cloud with a high near 31°C. The latest AQHI reading was 5.27, in the moderate-risk range, and a yellow air-quality warning remains active. Wednesday is forecast to be sunny and hotter, with a high near 33°C.

Drivers in the Fraser Canyon should be prepared for wildfire-related hazards. Rock and debris continue to fall onto Highway 1 north of Alexandra Bridge as the Ainslie Creek fire moves nearby. Check current conditions immediately before travelling and follow all closures and traffic-control directions. (Castanet)

---

🎮 Daily Game

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