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(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

As wildfire season escalates across the province, the B.C. SPCA is rolling out emergency response plans to help owners and pets impacted by the fires.

Lorie Chortyk, communications manager with the non-profit, said in a press release main centre of activity has been in Kamloops, where the Sparks Lake wildfire has been raging since June 28 and now covers 20,000 hectares.

The Juniper Ridge fire, which forced the evacuation of residents on Capilano and Nechako Drives in Kamloops on July 1, is now under control. The evacuees have all been allowed to return home.

“The B.C. SPCA in Kamloops has been working with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and its (emergency social services) team to reach out to pet guardians who need help,” Chortyk said.

READ MORE: Juniper wildfire now under control in Kamloops after prompting evacuations

“We began transferring shelter animals out of our Kamloops facility on July 1 to nearby SPCA shelters in Shuswap and Vernon to free up space for incoming pets for emergency boarding, and we have reached out to our foster network in the area to help as well.”

Anyone needing emergency boarding or other assistance is asked to call the B.C. SPCA at 1-855-622-7722, which is staffed daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. After-hours calls will be returned within 24 hours.

“We are also in urgent need of leashes, bowls, treats and other pet supplies for incoming animals,” Chortyk said.

Donations are being accepted outside of the main door of the B.C. SPCA Kamloops location at 2816 Tranquille Rd.

The SPCA is monitoring the wildfire situation across the province and preparing to deploy staff and emergency resources as needed.

The Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital in West Kelowna is also offering to look after pets for those who have been impacted by wildfires.

Owner Moshe Oz said the program has been running 365 days a year for the last 10 years.

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