BC Wildfires
On Aug 18, 2023, the Province of BC declared a Provincial State of Emergency in response to the wildfires affecting several areas in the province. This declaration allows the province to access support and resources and enact emergency orders, including travel restrictions to specific areas as needed.
TRU is actively monitoring the situation and is proactively preparing for potential scenarios while ensuring the safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff. At this time, the state of emergency in BC is not impacting post-secondary education at TRU’s campuses but we will adapt and respond as needed. This includes exploring all possible options to ensure the continuity of education and support services for our students.
Although there are no wildfires threatening Kamloops and Williams Lake, including the university campuses, some communities that are home to TRU faculty, staff and students have been directly affected. Please see the list of resources and supports below that are available to assist students during this difficult time. Faculty and staff are encouraged to visit TRU Connect, our internal platform, for updates.
Support for students affected by BC wildfires
- Counselling appointments for personal, academic and career discussions
- keep.meSAFE for free, confidential emotional health and wellbeing support available 24/7 via an app, telephone and web
- Here2Talk for free, confidential counselling and community referral services available 24/7 via app, phone and web
- Student Affairs to connect with a case manager regarding student policies and processes
- Student Awards and Financial Aid, which can offer emergency funding
- Enrolment Services to discuss current and future course registration
- Williams Lake Student Services for academic supports
- Cplul’kw’ten (The Gathering Place) for Indigenous student supports
- TRU World for international student supports
Other resources
- For the latest updates on the fires, visit the BC Wildfire Service
- To receive emergency alerts from the City of Kamloops, register for Voyent Alert!, and for those in Williams Lake, the local Emergency Alert Notification System
- For TRU-specific notifications in the event of an emergency, sign up for TRU Alerts and download the TRU Safe app
- Learn how to prepare for an evacuation by making your grab-and-go bag from Emergency Management BC
- For more information about air quality at TRU, including tips on how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, please refer to the Air Quality Health Index information on TRU's website.
Air quality
As air quality fluctuates, TRU’s Office of Safety and Emergency Management regularly monitors levels inside campus buildings. When needed they work with Facilities to adjust ventilation and deploy air scrubbers. » Read our daily air quality report
Orientation
Our face-to-face orientation on the Kamloops campus is moving forward as planned. We look forward to seeing many of our new-to-TRU students at the TRU Orientation and the International Orientation sessions.
Reducing wildfire fuel on campus
Using guidance from an experienced contractors specializing in FireSmart principles and fuel mitigation, recent actions taken to reduce the amount of fuel for wildfires on our campuses incude removal of pine needles, brush, dead trees as well as junipers and cedars with more than 50 per cent die-back. TRU has also raised low-hanging branches to more than 10 feet. Consider taking similar steps to prepare your yard and home. Find out more at FireSmart Canada.
Travel restrictions
The travel restrictions affecting non-essential travel to the Kamloops region have been lifted.
Ways to support
If looking for ways to support those impacted by wildfires, consider donating to reputable organizations and registered charities such as the Canadian Red Cross. If you’d like to support TRU students who have been displaced, please donate to the Disaster Relief Fund.
FAQ
Will the current wildfire situation in BC affect the start of classes or face-to-face orientation?
At this time, there are no wildfires threatening our campuses and therefore we are planning to welcome all students on campus as planned. See TRU Orientation and International Orientation sessions for the schedule of events for new-to-TRU students.
With the BC State of Emergency, is it unsafe to be in Kamloops or Williams Lake?
Kamloops and Williams Lake are safe, and there are no wildfires currently threatening our campuses. The provincial state of emergency declaration allows the province to enact emergency orders, including travel restrictions to specific areas as needed. It does not mean all areas of BC are unsafe.
During wildfire season, air quality fluctuates and you may wish to wear a mask to protect you from the smoke. TRU’s Office of Safety and Emergency Management (OSEM) regularly monitors campus indoor air quality and works with facilities to adjust ventilation and deploy air scrubbers as needed.
Where can I learn more about the air quality in Kamloops/Williams Lake and/or on campus?
Air quality fluctuates, and it can be smoky. PurpleAir is a resource that provides real-time data regarding air quality which can be used for both Kamloops and Williams Lake.
Updates on Kamloops and Williams Lake air quality can be found on our website. TRU’s Office of Safety and Emergency Management (OSEM) regularly monitors campus indoor air quality and works with facilities to adjust ventilation as needed.
