The City of Kamloops continues to support individuals displaced by wildfire activity across British Columbia through the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre and associated lodging accommodations. Since operations began on July 21, approximately 460 evacuees have received support through the City's Emergency Support Services response.
The City continues to work closely with provincial partners, health agencies, and community organizations to ensure evacuees have access to accommodations, meals, transportation, wellness supports, and pet care services.
To support basic needs, The Salvation Army is on site providing meal and food services to evacuees. Their assistance has been instrumental in helping ensure those displaced from their homes have access to food and refreshments as arrivals continue.
To help ensure all evacuees have access to safe and appropriate accommodations, the City and its partners continue to use both group lodging and commercial lodging options throughout the region. Samaritan's Purse, an organization that provides disaster relief and emergency response services, continues to work alongside the reception centre to support group lodging operations at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre. Over the weekend, 20 evacuees used the group lodging facility, which provides temporary accommodation and essential services for those displaced by wildfire activity.
At the same time, with hotel availability in Kamloops reaching capacity, the Emergency Services Support Reception Centre has expanded its accommodation planning to include available lodging options across the region to ensure evacuees continue to have access to suitable accommodations.
Additional supports are also available for evacuees with pets. The City and its partners have established pet lodging facilities at the Cooper Centre, operated by the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team and supported by Ruff Start Rescue and Four Paws Food Bank. The facility is currently caring for 14 cats and 8 dogs, ensuring animals remain safe and cared for while their owners access temporary accommodations and support services. The BC SPCA is also on site at the reception centre providing pet food and other essential animal care supplies, including crates, litter, leashes, and collars, to ensure displaced animals remain safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
Recognizing the importance of overall well-being during emergencies, representatives from Interior Health, the First Nations Health Authority, and Disaster Psychosocial Services are available on site to provide mental health and wellness supports for evacuees who may be experiencing stress, uncertainty, or disruption because of displacement.
City staff and partner agencies are also working to establish a transportation loop connecting accommodations, meal service locations, and facilities where evacuees' pets are being cared for. Once in place, the service will help improve accessibility and ease movement for those affected by evacuation orders.
The City reminds residents that the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre cannot accept donations or accommodate walk-in volunteers. Individuals wishing to support those affected by wildfire activity are encouraged to connect directly with local non-profit organizations, community groups, faith-based organizations, and cultural groups that may be coordinating relief efforts.
The Emergency Support Services Reception Centre is operational July 26–29, 9:00 am–5:00 pm. Operational hours will be reviewed and extended if necessary.
Evacuees are encouraged to monitor Emergency Info BC for the most current information regarding evacuation orders, alerts, and wildfire-related updates affecting their communities.
Assistance with an evacuee registration profile or Service BC authentication is available toll-free at 1-800-387-4258, Monday to Sunday, 7:30 am–9:00 pm. Assistance is also available on site for evacuees directed to the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre location.
The City of Kamloops will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as required while working alongside provincial and community partners to support evacuees impacted by ongoing wildfire activity.
