Extreme Forest Fires Kamloops Area

Please pray for the safety of our firefighters, air crews, and residents. Please pray that the weather patterns will turn the fire back on itself, that property will be protected and that livestock will be safe.  The current weather conditions are such that we need God to directly intervene through directing wind patterns and sending us unexpected and lightning free rain. 


A fast-moving blaze east of Kamloops, near the town of Pritchard, forced about 100 people from their homes early Friday morning. The Martin Mountain fire burst from four to 80 hectares overnight and kept on growing to an estimated 690 hectares.

As the fire continued its spread Friday night, residents in an additional 125 Pritchard homes were ordered to evacuate.

Elise Riedlinger, a fire information officer, said the Martin Mountain fire had been smoldering for a few days but high winds took it out of control late Thursday.

"There are residences immediately threatened by this fire," Riedlinger said.

Ninety-five firefighters and five helicopters are currently tackling the blaze.

B.C. Forests Minister Pat Bell issued a news release Friday afternoon warning of high temperatures, low humidity, and lightning.

"We are asking the public to be extremely cautious over the next few days," Bell said.

"There is a high likelihood that we will see new lightning-caused fires arise in the southern portion of the province and that existing fires will begin to exhibit extreme fire behaviour."