(KIM ANDERSON / iNFOnews.ca)

A new FireSmart boss could be coming to Kamloops as the city looks to prepare for future wildfire seasons.

Fire chief Ken Uzeloc is turning to city council to give the OK on a newly created job, dedicated to wildfire preparation across Kamloops. It's a job that's currently split between the parks and fire departments, but Uzeloc said the FireSmart position will formalize the city's effort, while also opening it up to more potential grant funding.

Over the years, Kamloops is one of many Interior cities that have faced encroaching wildfires, with the memories of the 2021 Juniper fire and last year's Rossmoore Lake wildfire still fresh for residents.

"We've got a lot of area that is exposed and potential for a wildfire," Uzeloc said. "But one of the biggest concerns we have as a fire dept is we're really on our own here."

READ MORE: 2023 driest year on record in Kamloops, Okanagan

While Kelowna, for example, could have the nearby support from West Kelowna or Lake Country, Kamloops firefighters are largely on their own with the potential support from BC Wildfire Service.

The region just came off its driest year on record, and continues. Uzeloc said it may not bode well for Kamloops if the winter remains as brown as it is.

"If we don't get some snowpack in the mountains, we could be very, very dry with very limited water supply," he said.

If approved, Uzeloc said the new position would be tasked with coordinating wildland management both on the city's borders and within areas like Kenna Cartwright Park. The FireSmart boss would also be working on making sure property owners are watchful of risks at home.

READ MORE: Logan Lake has written the Fire Smart playbook for other cities, towns to follow

"The big thing people should know is all the onus for firesmarting does not fall on the municipality. Citizens really have to step up for firesmarting to be effective," Uzeloc said.

Council will consider whether to approve the funding at its Jan. 9 meeting. Uzeloc said staff haven't determined exactly how much it will cost, suggesting it would need between $65-80,000 of city funds. It will be paid for through pre-approved staff budgets for this year, then be added to the 2025 budget if approved.

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