Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Environment and Climate Change Canada says many regions throughout the BC Interior are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours.
Smoke is widespread through northeastern B.C., central B.C. and extending into southern regions as well.
For Okanagan zones, smoke impacts may be higher at higher elevation; local showers may also alleviate smoke conditions.
People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Environment Canada reccomends speaking with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.
They also reccomend:
People respond differently to smoke and Environment Canada says Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears. They also say drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.
More reccomendations from Environment Canada include:
Dust on indoor surfaces can be removed by wiping and wet mopping during a pollution episode. If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA.
For more information on current air quality, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.
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.
The next air quality update from Environment Canada will be available on May 18, 2023.