Smoke from Alberta wildfires prompts smoky skies warning in Kamloops, Okanagan

Most of the B.C. Interior can expect poor air quality thanks to smoke from wildfires burning in Alberta.

Smoke is already widespread in the province's southeast toward the Rocky Mountains.

The province and Interior Health have issued a smoky skies bulletin today, May 17, warning the Okanagan and Kamloops will be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Kamloops and the Thompson Valley are being hit hard by the smoke, while the Okanagan can expect hazy skies with air quality degrading at higher elevations.

Local showers in the Okanagan may help put a damper on the poor air quality today and tomorrow.

Environment Canada says wildfire smoke is hazardous to health even at low concentrations, and urges at-risk populations such as children, the elderly and people with lung conditions to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Alberta has been hit hard by wildfires this season, with 92 active fires and hundreds of thousands of hectares burned so far.

B.C. has 62 active fires, with 43 of those in the Prince George fire centre. There are just four currently burning in the Kamloops fire centre.

For the very latest on the smoky sky bulletin go here.

— With files from The Canadian Press

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