Smoke sinks deeper into B.C. Interior as heat starts to abate

A special air quality statement has been continued for much of the Southen Interior as smoke from nearby wildfires sinks into the local landscape.

The South Thompson, Nicola, Similkameen, Okanagan Valley, Shuswap, Boundary and North Thompson are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours. 

The already hardest hit areas in the interior are Kamloops and the Central, South, and North Okanagan.

These areas have also had a stifling heat wave to contend with in the last week. That will abate by tonight.

People with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections such as COVID-19, older adults, pregnant women and infants, children, and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.

BC Health said that people respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common and usually disappear when the smoke clears.

Exposure to wildfire smoke and the virus that causes COVID-19 can both result in respiratory symptoms such as a dry cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.

If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.•If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your health care provider, walk-in clinic, or emergency department.If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.