KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

A campfire created by members of the city’s homeless community in the hills above the south end of Overlanders Bridge is what caused a rapidly growing grassfire that came dangerously close to some homes on April 19.

At about 2:45 p.m., firefighters, Mounties and city community service officers responded to the blaze in the area of Powers Road and

Strathcona Terrace. Flames rose to an estimated 30 feet in the air at one point, while smoke from the fire could be seen across the city.

Firefighters from Kamloops Fire Rescue and the BC Wildfire Service managed to suppress the flames in short order, while about 4,000 BC Hydro customers were without power through the afternoon.

Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said the origin of the fire has been established as a campfire, noting a criminal investigation is underway.

Those with information are asked to call Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2023-13341.