A grass fire near Thompson Rivers University this past weekend was sparked by a homeless person's campfire. The fire began Saturday afternoon, April 16, 2022, in a gully between the university campus and Summit Drive.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Kamloops Fire Rescue
April 21, 2022 - 9:45 AM
A grass fire near Thompson Rivers University this past weekend was sparked by a homeless person's campfire.
The fire began Saturday afternoon, April 16, in a gully between the university campus and Summit Drive. It was widely seen from across the city.
READ MORE: Firefighters respond to grass fire in Kamloops at TRU
The grass fire was caused by a homeless camp, said life safety educator Jeff Pont, with Kamloops Fire Rescue. At the time of the fire, at roughly 4:30 p.m., he didn’t know how many people were occupying the camp as it varies and its residents typically don't stick around.
As for dealing with the ongoing "nuisance fire" calls, which the fire department often responds to along the river, Pont said it's a constant challenge and they often have run-ins with the people living at the camps.
"They're just trying to keep warm and live their lives, and we just try to keep them informed about the dangers," he said.
A fire near TRU Saturday, April 16, 2022.
Image Credit: TWITTER/@Camryn_M
It’s illegal in the city to have open campfires and there are dangers it can create even at this time of year with grass fires, Pont said. While temperatures are cooler, the grass is dry and fires spread easily, he said.
At least two fire trucks were on scene Saturday with roughly eight firefighters. It was a “fairly substantial” burn.
“We’re close to these spaces and we get there quickly and this time of year with the lower heat we’re able to extinguish the fires fairly quickly,” Pont said.
Within the last month, the fire department has attended to at least 10 calls related to grass fires.
Police assisted firefighters that day with traffic control and no injuries or property damage was reported, said Crystal Evelyn, media liaison with the Kamloops RCMP, via email. The fire has been deemed not suspicious by police.
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