What Do I Need to Know About Wildfire Generally?
Wildfires are a relatively common occurrence in the Merritt area. Wildfires can start at any time of year; however, wildfire behaviour typically peaks in July and August. Wildfires may be started by both lightning and human activity.
How Do I Report a Wildfire?
Call 1-800-663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) to report a wildfire. You can also use the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) mobile app to report a wildfire.
This video is an update on the Merritt EOC.
How Can I Learn More Information About a Specific Wildfire?
Each fire featured on the BCWS Map has its own specific webpage with various details, such as the size of the fire, the resources that have been deployed, and the suspected cause of the fire. You can access this information by selecting a specific fire and clicking on “More Details”.
If you are still looking for more information about a fire in the Merritt area, you can call the Kamloops Fire Centre Information Line at 250-554-5965 or email kfcinfo@gov.bc.ca.
Who Responds to Wildfire?
Both the Merritt Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) and BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) may be involved in wildfire response.
In general, MFRD is responsible for responding to fires that threaten structures located within the Merritt Fire Protection District and BCWS is responsible for responding to wildfires that are located on Crown land or outside of the Merritt Fire Protection District. MFRD and BCWS have a close working relationship and often respond jointly to wildfires.
This map displays the MFRD Fire Protection District area:
Are There Any Fire Bans Currently in Effect?
BCWS issues prohibitions on open fires by fire centre region. Merritt is part of the Kamloops Fire Centre region. Firebans in the City of Merritt are posted on this page: merritt.ca/fireban. Note that Category 2 and 3 Open Fires are never permitted within the City of Merritt, regardless of the firebans issued by the Kamloops Fire Centre.
Open fire prohibitions for the Kamloops Fire Centre region may be found on the BCWS website.
What Can I Do to Prepare for Wildfires?
The Merritt Fire Rescue Department administers the FireSmart program in the Merritt area. The FireSmart program includes both a chipping program and a rebate program that supports homeowners who take measures to FireSmart their properties.
Additionally, activities like registering for Emergency Support Services (ESS), preparing a grab-and-go bag, and subscribing to the Voyent Alert! notification program can help prepare you for an evacuation or similar event.
Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS)
Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) is an online mapping program operated by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). FIRMS uses satellites to detect and monitor wildfires as well as other types of thermal anomalies. In the US and Canada, satellites used by FIRMS pass overhead several times daily and the FIRMS map is updated within minutes of new data being collected.
FIRMS is an excellent tool for monitoring wildfire activity. However, FIRMS data is not pinpoint accurate and FIRMS satellites cannot determine the exact size and location of a fire. Additionally, FIRMS satellites cannot always distinguish wildfires from other types of thermal anomalies, such as hot smoke and certain types of industrial activity.
Where Is Wildfire Smoke Coming from?
Information about air quality in Merritt, including information about wildfire smoke, may be found on the Merritt air quality webpage.
Where Can I Learn More?
We recommend visiting the following websites to learn more about wildfires:
