(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

The City of Kamloops is closing a number of nature parks and trails due to the ongoing drought and an extreme fire risk.

All traffic through the parks will be prohibited, with hikers or cyclists seen passing through the areas risking fines as of 4 p.m. today, Aug. 4.

Park crews will be installing closure signs over the next few days after Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc ordered the closure to alleviate fire risks within the city, according to a news release.

The nature parks do not include all City parks, however. It mostly consists of the largest parks throughout Kamloops, including the Bike Ranch.

"The public can play an important role in fire prevention by staying aware, reporting fires immediately, and keeping all vehicles and bikes away from dry areas," the news release reads.

Although the closure is meant to reduce fire risk, the City reminds residents that smoking is always prohibited in City parks and walking trails.

"Given the extremely dry conditions, the City urges residents to be extremely cautious with smoking materials in all areas of the city," the news release reads.

Along with the park closures, the Barnhartvale Landfill will also be closed as of 4 p.m. today.

The decision comes as the City begins to ramp up its drought response. In an attempt to conserve water, the City is moving to ban sprinkler use as of Aug. 14.

Anyone wishing to water their yards will have to do so with hand-held nozzles. Washing vehicles and boats will also only be allowed at commercial wash locations and pressure washing for "aesthetic purposes" will be banned.

The City included the following parks in its closure:

• Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park and Trails
• Kenna Cartwright Nature Park
• Peterson Creek Nature Park
• Rose Hill Park
• Skyline Park
• Valleyview Nature Park
• Kamloops Bike Ranch
• The trail connecting Barnhartvale to Peterson Creek through Juniper Ridge

— This story was updated with a complete list of closed parks from the City at 11:11 a.m., Aug. 4, 2023.

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