Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for East Kootenay, as wildfires continue to burn in the Canal Flats and Whiteswan area, as well as elsewhere in the B.C. Interior.

Smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility. Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change, Environment Canada stated.

The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, in collaboration with the Interior Health and Northern Health Authority, has issued a Smoky Skies Bulletin for North Thompson, South Thompson, Shuswap, 100 Mile, Cariboo (North and South), Chilcotin, Nicola, Okanagan, Similkameen, Fraser Canyon, East Kootenay and East Columbia due to wildfire smoke.

Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
This bulletin will remain in effect until further notice.

Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Along with regional and Interior fires, smoke is also making its way north to the B.C. Interior from the 3,056 ha Diamond Creek fire in Washington, 13 km from the B.C. border, southeast of Keremeos.

For more information on current air quality, see: www.bcairquality.ca.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

Lead image from BC Wildfire Service

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