🌡️ Smoke · High 34°C / Low 18°C · ☀️ 5:37 AM–8:36 PM · AQHI 11 (Very High) · Environment Canada

📰 News

Royal Inland Hospital will restore dedicated coronary care early next year. Four beds will be integrated into the hospital's intensive-care unit for continuous monitoring and treatment of serious cardiac conditions. Interior Health says the model will bring specialized care closer to patients across the Thompson, Cariboo and Shuswap without increasing RIH's total bed count. (Interior Health · CFJC Today)

Sixty high-school students from across Canada completed a month-long STEAM and entrepreneurship program at TRU. The Shad program combined university workshops, hands-on challenges and a Wells Gray camping trip. Participants explored subjects ranging from astrophysics and cybersecurity to quantum computing while developing projects and new academic interests. (TRU)

Kamloops-area home sales slowed slightly in July. The Association of Interior Realtors recorded 254 sales, down from 271 in June and 259 in July 2025. New listings also fell to 457, while the association described overall market conditions as stable but said limited inventory remains a longstanding challenge. (CFJC Today)

The Heartland Country Festival at Sun Peaks has been postponed because regional lodging is needed for wildfire evacuees. The inaugural event had been scheduled for Friday and Saturday with performers including Tyler Joe Miller, Dawson Gray, Doc Walker and George Canyon. Organizers say the festival will not proceed on its original dates and intend to announce new plans later. (Radio NL)

🏛️ What Changed

Cache Creek has lifted Stage 4 water restrictions after its reservoirs refilled. Cellular-network problems had prevented the village from accurately monitoring water levels, causing the reservoirs to drop much lower than the system indicated. Normal monitoring has resumed, and the village has returned to its regular Stage 1 summer restrictions. (Castanet)

The Heffley Lake Recreation Site boat launch has closed temporarily to trailered boats. Historically low water levels could damage boats and trailers using the ramp. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards can still launch, and the province says the closure will remain until water levels recover. (Castanet)

🚨 Safety

The Nicola Valley Hospital emergency department will close for 25 hours beginning at 7 a.m. Friday. Emergency service is scheduled to resume at 8 a.m. Saturday, while other inpatient services continue. Interior Health directs patients needing emergency care to Royal Inland Hospital; anyone with a life-threatening condition should call 911. It is Merritt's eighth ER closure of 2026. (Castanet · CFJC Today)

High Bar First Nation has ordered an evacuation of its reserve lands because of extreme fire conditions and difficult access. The Nation cited the risk that unauthorized activity, including off-road vehicle use, could start new fires. The closure also cuts members off from Fraser River fishing areas with deep cultural importance. (CFJC Today)

The Pear Lake fire reached about 132,598 hectares as crews prepared for more aggressive behaviour. Smoke has limited sunlight and moderated parts of the fire, but clearing skies and stronger weekend winds could increase activity where containment lines remain challenged. The northwest flank was already active Thursday. (Castanet)

A second contingent of Mexican wildfire personnel has arrived in British Columbia. The new group is heading to the Brunswick complex in the Fraser Canyon, while an earlier contingent was deployed near Clinton. The province expects to have more than 500 out-of-province firefighting professionals working in B.C. by the end of the week. (CFJC Today)

📅 Events

Browse the Kamloops Events directory for more August listings. The AQHI reached the very-high-risk range, so consider indoor options and check conditions before outdoor events.

Kamloops Ribfest begins Friday at Riverside Park and runs through Sunday. The free festival brings returning rib teams, food vendors and live entertainment under new organizer Kamloops Sports Council. (Kamloops Sports Council · Castanet Events)

WorkBC Kamloops hosts an inclusive job fair at 450 Lansdowne Street. The event connects job seekers with local employers and employment opportunities. (Eventbrite)

Park Play Days runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Valleyview Centennial Park. The free family drop-in offers outdoor games and activities at 2288 Park Drive, subject to smoke conditions. (City of Kamloops)

Master of Justice plays a free Metallica tribute at Music in the Park. The show starts at 7 p.m. at the Riverside Park Rotary Bandshell. (City of Kamloops)

🛣️ Roads & Weather

🌫️ Smoke and a high near 34°C are forecast Friday. The latest AQHI reading was 11, in the very-high-risk range, and an orange air-quality warning remains active. Smoke is expected Saturday near 30°C, followed by a mix of sun and cloud Sunday near 29°C.

Avoid strenuous outdoor activity while the AQHI remains very high. Environment Canada advises people at higher risk to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed when possible, and use clean indoor air spaces or filtration. (Environment Canada)

🎮 Daily Game

WhereTaken: study a photo, drop a pin on the map and see how close you are.