Volunteers with Emergency Social Services in Kamloops have helped wildfire evacuees from more than 80 different communities this summer, according to the mayor.

Ken Christian says hundreds of volunteers have spent more than 12,000 hours since June 29, helping people with lodging, groceries, supplies and prescriptions.

“And under very stressful conditions, they are consistently providing that service to the residents of Kamloops and residents of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and beyond. On a volunteer basis, and that is just amazing.”

There are still just over 3,500 properties on evacuation order in the Interior, down from a high of more than 8,200 properties earlier this summer.

With new COVID-19 restrictions in Interior Health, Christian says a volunteer appreciation luncheon has had to be cancelled. But he says the city will recognize those volunteers at a later date.