Take a deep breath of fresh air while recalling what it was like in Kamloops one year ago

KAMLOOPS – One year ago, much of the B.C. Interior was dealing with devastating wildfires and although Kamloops was safe, the city was blanketed by smoke.

The Elephant Hill wildfire, which started burning near Ashcroft, grew to nearly 200,000 hectares at its peak and destroyed a mobile home park. It also produced an extreme amount of smoke that hung over Kamloops for weeks last summer.

Air quality in the area was arguably the worst on record, with ash falling from the sky and that thick, campfire-like smell was the norm for Kamloops residents.

It's a stark contrast to the blue sky, sunshine and white clouds that can be seen today, July 10. 

Here's what it looked like in the city one year ago.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Ashley Legassic or call 250-319-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.