Air quality gets even worse
Photo: Castanet webcam
Kelowna, as viewed from Knox Mountain, on Thursday afternoon.
UPDATE 2:55 p.m.
Environment Canada has upgraded air quality warnings in some parts of the B.C. Interior, which has some of the worst air quality in the world right now.
Orange air quality warnings are now in place for the Thompson-Okanagan, Shuswap Nicola and Fraser Canyon.
Yellow air quality warnings are in place for the rest of the Southern Interior.
“During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour,” said Environment Canada.
“Exposure to high smoke levels can pose threat to your health regardless of age or health status. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended. Stay indoors in a space with cleaner air.”
IQAir’s live air quality map is reporting that air quality ratings in the B.C. Southern Interior and interior of Washington State are amongst the worst on earth.
A pair of cities in Pakistan and northern India, one of which is experiencing a dust storm, are the only two areas with worse air quality readings.
Most of the smoke blowing into the B.C. Interior is coming from Washington State.
ORIGINAL 6 a.m.
Thick smoke has continued to worsen breathing conditions across B.C., though according to the latest batch of warnings some areas remain worse than others.
An orange-level warning, indicating a high health impact, is in effect for Manning–Skagit Valley, Nicola, Fraser Canyon South including Lytton, South Thompson, Similkameen and the 100 Mile region.
Meanwhile a yellow-level air quality warning, indicating a moderate health impact, also remains in effect for Fraser Canyon North including Lillooet, the Okanagan Valley, Shuswap, Boundary, West Kootenay, North Thompson and Cariboo South including Williams Lake.
Officials say wildfire smoke can pose health risks to everyone, regardless of age or underlying health conditions. Residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and remain indoors in spaces with cleaner air until conditions improve.
Those most vulnerable to smoke include people with heart or lung disease, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, seniors and people with chronic medical conditions or acute illnesses.
People are encouraged to monitor wildfire conditions and follow emergency information issued for their communities.
For those who have to go outside wearing an N95 mask, which became common during the coronavirus pandemic, will help filter out the pollution, experts say.
If you must be outside and you experience symptoms, experts say you should head indoors or elsewhere with better air quality. Even if you are healthy, it’s good to take precautions.
Some experts indicate people should close the windows and turn on the air conditioner, if you have one, setting it to circulate the indoor air. Swapping the air conditioner’s filter for a MERV 13 filter can help, but ensure it’s installed correctly.
