Smoke from wildfires burning in the BC Interior settled into Kamloops and the Okanagan this week, causing reduced visibility, strange-coloured skies and periods of falling ash.

Some residents were able to capture the rising and setting sun appearing in shades of pink, orange and red, while others captured the eery-looking haze that blocked out the views of mountains and Okanagan Lake. In some areas of the region, a layer of ash was spotted on vehicles mid-week.

A setting sun is pink through wildfire smoke. — The setting sun looks pink through wildfire smoke near Kamloops on July 22. SUBMITTED/Patricia Hanson

Kamloops has been experiencing fluctuating levels of smoke since the beginning of July and is currently under an orange warning with Environment Canada, meaning there is a high exposure to smoke levels and people should avoid strenuous outdoor activities and stay indoors.

Kelowna is under a yellow warning with Environment Canada, indicating the impacts are minor but the public should be aware of changing conditions and reduce strenuous outdoor activities.

The smoke is forecast to stick around for the next couple of days.