UPDATE: Two power outages affect thousands in downtown Kamloops

KAMLOOPS — UPDATE (2:40 p.m.): Power has been restored for the vast majority of affected customers.

UPDATE (1:25 p.m.): BC Hydro says there are two separate outages affecting the downtown.

In total, nearly 2,800 customers are affected.

The first one, reported at 11:49 a.m. Monday (July 31), is the result of a bird contacting BC Hydro’s wires.

The second one, reported at 12:07 p.m., stretches across the river to Tk’emlups Reserve land. BC Hydro says that blaze is due to lines down.

There is no word when the power might be restored in either outage.

EARLIER: B.C. Hydro crews are looking into a major power outage affecting the Kamloops downtown and Sagebrush neighbourhoods.

According to the utility’s website, the outage was reported at 11:49 a.m. Monday (July 31) and encompasses 1,910 customers.

The outage spans the majority of the city’s downtown core, as well as the courthouse and hospital precincts.

There is no word on when power may be restored.