It’s wildfire season!
From April to October, the computer-based Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System is updated daily at around 14:00 (2:00pm) with either low, moderate, high, or extreme fire danger ratings. This tool can assist fire managers in assessing the potential for ignition, spread, and burning intensity.
We can use this information for making fire prevention, preparedness, and suppression decisions and other general fire management decisions.
Turn the Fire Danger Rating into action – Plan, Prepare, Prep, Pay Attention!
Low – Plan how you will prepare your home for wildfires by choosing which FireSmart actions to take.
Moderate – Prepare your home by putting those FireSmart actions into motion; yard work, renovations, & maintenance.
High – Prep your emergency kit and ensure you have a working plan that the whole family understands.
Extreme – Pay attention! To the City of Merritt, Voyent Alert!, local news, BC Wildfire Service, and other applicable forms of communication regarding the ongoing fire situations in our area.
The City of Merritt falls within the Kamloops Fire Center and local fire danger rating information is collected from the Merritt 2 HUB. The ratings are updated on our Facebook page, as well as on-site at 1799 Nicola Avenue and approx. 1675 Juniper Drive (across from Pineridge Cemetery). If discrepancies exist, the FWDCR (linked below) is the authority and should be used as most accurate.
Firefighter Spotlight
Firefighter Devin Lupton
Originally from Galiano Island, British Columbia, Firefighter Devin Lupton has long dreamed of serving in the fire service. He pursued his early education at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where he studied Automotive Repair. He then entered the automotive industry, working as a mechanic, metal fabricator, and later as an autobody repairer and painter.
In April 2024, Firefighter Lupton completed the NFPA 1001 program, officially becoming a fully qualified firefighter. Since then, he has further expanded his skills by completing courses in first responder licensing, auto extrication, rope rescue, driving, and pump operations.
After completing his Associate Certificate in Trauma and Crisis Intervention, Firefighter Lupton became the newest member of Merritt Fire’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team, where he plays a vital role in supporting the mental health and well-being of our firefighters.
We extend our sincere thanks to Firefighter Lupton for his dedication and continued service to the City of Merritt.
Hard work and training.
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.”
Beyond Response
Protecting our community goes beyond response. We work to keep Merritt safe through public education, fuel mitigation, fire inspections, investigations, and emergency management.
Fuel Management
Did you know…? The City of Merritt is committed to reducing the wildfire risk on municipal property and in our ‘buffering areas’ in neighbouring jurisdictions, as identified in our Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
