As the dog days of summer approach, Kamloops firefighters are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst when it comes for wildfire calls.

Assistant Fire Chief Dan Sutherland says crews are ready to deal with whatever comes their way, like a fire near Cinnamon Ridge yesterday.

“We are still at just in the high category of a fire danger rating here in town, over the last week or two,” he said. “And we do expect to get into the extreme category in the coming weeks. The public is reminded to please make sure you are very vigilant around any types of ignition sources when you’re are walking around out there.”

Like Kevin Skrepnek, the Chief Fire Information Officer for the BC Wildfire Service, Sutherland says its been mostly good up to this point, but notes it could change in an instant.

“The experiences of the last few years have certainly taught us to remain vigilant and ready,” added Sutherland. “With the climate changing as it is, we still haven’t seen a lot of significant precipitation in the last couple of months that would really really help us per se. I know it’s been cooler which does help the wildfire starts and fire behaviour when they do start.”

To that effect, he says crews have been going through various plans and training scenarios.

“Our emergency operations centre has undergone a bit of face-lift. We have a number of city staff that support the fire department in times of emergency, taking a whole bunch of training this year,” said Sutherland. “Senior fire staff have also been taking some emergency evacuation courses so they are well prepared to move people for a tactical ordered evacuation as required.”

He points out that July and August in Kamloops could be drier and warmer than normal, which will likely bring more fire starts.