Friday, September 11, 2026

📰 News

TRU has built a burn unit to test how exterior building materials hold up under extreme heat. Researchers at the Kamloops Fire Rescue Training Centre will expose siding, flashing, sealants and other components to a steady flame. The tests will look at the materials themselves and how installation affects their performance, with the results going into training for carpentry and trades students. The project is backed by a BC Hydro grant and runs through summer 2027. (TRU)

Crews are still finding hot spots along the Ainslie Creek and Pear Lake wildfire perimeters. Both fires are being held, but heat remains inside the burned areas and smoke could become more visible as fuels dry. Pear Lake still has 94 firefighters and three helicopters assigned, with significant work remaining around Big Bar Mountain. BC Wildfire Service says smouldering ground fire, burning stumps and other hot spots may remain visible for weeks. (Castanet)

Lillooet will be without emergency-room service for 25 hours. Interior Health says the emergency department at Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre will close at 7 a.m. Friday, September 11, and reopen at 8 a.m. Saturday. Patients needing emergency care are being directed to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. It is the community’s fifth ER closure of 2026 and its second this month. (CFJC Today)

Kamloops voters will get a daytime chance to question mayoral and council candidates on September 24. The free forum runs from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Mount Paul Community Food Centre, 140 Laburnum Street. It is open to everyone, with attendees encouraged to bring questions about issues affecting seniors and the wider community. (Castanet)

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🚨 Safety

A man has pleaded guilty to stealing a community bus from the Lansdowne transit exchange and crashing it into a pickup. The bus was taken April 25 while its driver was on a washroom break, with one passenger still aboard. Dean Mehlenbacher pleaded guilty Thursday to theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and uttering threats. No injuries were reported, and sentencing is set for October 29. (Castanet)

Two dogs involved in a serious Valleyview attack are now being held by the City. Eric Dean received 30 stitches after he was attacked near Kelly Douglas and Vicars roads on September 2. The City says the dogs are being kept at its animal-control facility while Community Services investigates. (KamloopsBCNow · Radio NL)

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📅 Events

The Kamloops Events directory has the full weekend calendar. Here are five options from Friday through Sunday.

TRUSU’s Back-to-School BBQ runs Friday from 10 a.m. at Campus Commons. The annual student event marks the start of the new school year at TRU. (TRU)

National Theatre Live presents The Playboy of the Western World Friday at 7 p.m. The filmed stage production screens at the Paramount Theatre. (Kamloops Film Society)

The Kamloops Heritage Society celebrates its 30th anniversary Saturday. The event listing has the schedule and participation details for the community celebration. (Event listing)

The Valleyview Block Party takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The City’s Love Your City team will have an information booth at the neighbourhood event. (City of Kamloops)

Sun Peaks Market Day runs Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Farmers, ranchers and local makers set up through the village. (Sun Peaks Resort)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

⛅ Friday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a high near 22°C. Saturday should warm to 25°C before a chance of showers and a high near 18°C Sunday. The latest AQHI reading was 2.66, in the low-risk range.

Gravel hauling along Highway 5 may put trucks and equipment near the road on weekdays through September 18. Work runs from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between Edwards Road and River Heights Drive. The highway remains open, but drivers are being asked to watch for crews and turning trucks.

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🎮 Daily Game

Travle: connect two countries by naming the places you would cross between them.