KFR to hand out warnings at Cooney Bay this weekend after series of illegal campfires

KAMLOOPS — Ahead of the long weekend, Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) is reminding the public that beach fires are prohibited — even out at Cooney Bay.

In a news release, Asst. Chief of Operations Ryan Cail says Cooney Bay and the mouth of the Tranquille River at Kamloops Lake have become popular spots, with thousands of visitors enjoying the spot on a sunny weekend.

Beach fires have become common at the site, even though they are prohibited. In early April, an unattended campfire sparked a brush fire.

Cail says firefighters are drawn out to Cooney Bay several times every year to extinguish unattended campfires. This makes them unavailable to respond to emergency situations.

KFR personnel will be joined on location by City of Kamloops Community Services and RCMP members this weekend, handing out warnings to anyone found with a campfire.

Cail adds people are allowed to cross Tranquille Farms’ private property to access the beach, but that access can be revoked if the private property owner is concerned about the fire activity.