Wildfire smoke blankets region
Smoke hovering in the North Okanagan, early Thursday. (Image Credit: Liam Verster)
It may be a stay-inside kind of summer day in the Okanagan — but not because of the heat.
Thick wildfire smoke has settled over the valley, with a special air quality advisory in effect across much of B.C., including the Central Okanagan. Environment Canada says conditions in Kelowna are currently rated moderate, but the haze is visible throughout the region.
The smoke is drifting in from wildfires burning in other parts of the province. There are no major fires of note currently burning in the Okanagan, but fire activity continues elsewhere in B.C., with several evacuation orders and alerts in place.
A screengrab from firesmoke.ca shows the intense wildfire smoke over the Okanagan as of 6 a.m. Thursday. The smoke was forecast to ease through the day before returning in the evening. (Image Credit: firesmoke.ca)
The South Chilcotin Mountains is among the areas facing new evacuation orders, while residents in Kimberley remain on alert because of a nearby wildfire complex. In the Fraser Canyon, officials are urging anyone still in the Boston Bar area to leave as flames continue to move closer.
Health officials are advising people to limit time outdoors, especially those with respiratory conditions, older adults, children and anyone who is more sensitive to smoke.
The smoke is expected to improve slightly Thursday afternoon, but accordig to the latest forecast from Firesmoke.ca more thick smoke will enter the region Thursday evening and overnight. Officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity and keeping an eye on changing air quality conditions.
