Hannelore Thorpe took her grandchildren to Riverside Park today, Aug. 3, but the smoke has been affecting her.
(ASHLEY LEGASSIC - REPORTER / iNFOnews.ca)
Republished August 07, 2017 - 10:16 AM
Original Publication Date August 03, 2017 - 4:17 PM
KAMLOOPS - Have you ever seen it this bad?
Smoke has blanketed the city of Kamloops on and off for weeks now, but it appears to have deteriorated to its worst point today, Aug. 3.
The provincial government is currently putting the city's air quality index at 49, or "very high risk". The next highest air quality health index rating in the province is Williams Lake, at 19.
Parks and public spaces in Kamloops are nearly deserted and visibility in the city has gotten worse through the day.
Kamloops resident Hannelore Eckerman has lived in the city since 1968 and says she has never seen it like this.
"It scratches your throat, your eyes tear," she says. "You can taste it."
Image Credit: ENVIRONMENT CANADA
"I almost feel like we shouldn't be out here, like we should be inside an air conditioned home," Eckerman says.
Environment Canada meteorologist Alyssa Charbonneau says there aren't historical statistics to compare the air quality to, so it's not known if this is the worst it's ever been in Kamloops.
The health index also wasn't designed for wildfire smoke, it was designed for pollutants and the health risks they pose.
"There’s no limit to the top end of the scale, anything above 10 is extreme," she says. "Once you’re above 10, it’s very bad."
Although Environment Canada's forecast expects smoke to clear in Kamloops by the weekend, Charbonneau says it could hang around longer if weather systems don't change.
"Unfortunately we don’t really see that changing too much as we look at the beginning of August," Charbonneau says.
Elderly people and children especially are advised to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities. People who need to be outside are advised to use N95 masks to help filter out particles.
This photo was taken at the same place, one with smoke one without.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Devon Moonie
The beach at Pioneer Park was nearly deserted today, Aug. 3.
(ASHLEY LEGASSIC - REPORTER / iNFOnews.ca)
The North Shore of Kamloops was barely visible from Lower Sahali today, Aug. 3.
(ASHLEY LEGASSIC - REPORTER / iNFOnews.ca)
Across the river from Riverside Park, you might mistake the smoke from nearby wildfires for a thick fog.
(ASHLEY LEGASSIC - REPORTER / iNFOnews.ca)
Popular summer hangouts like the patio at Redbeard Cafe are left empty due to smoke.
(MIKE MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)
The patio at Jamaican Kitchen is also empty as customer huddle inside to avoid the smoke.
(MIKE MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)
Kamloops parks are empty on a weekday afternoon as parents keep their kids inside and away from the smoke.
(MIKE MCDONALD - REPORTER / iNFOnews.ca)
Normally bustling with activity during the summer months McDonald Park is empty today, Aug 3.
(MIKE MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)
West to East panorama of Mara Mountain.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Frank Rhebergen
Thick smoke is hiding blue skies.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Frank Rhebergen
Train coming through the smoke.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Frank Rhebergen
Ord Road Ranches on August 1
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Frank Rhebergen
Alfalfa crops
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Frank Rhebergen
Kamloops skies are clouded with thick smoke.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Frank Rhebergen
The sun is red due to the smoke cover.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Frank Rhebergen
What looks like fog is actually smoke at Tranquille farms.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Frank Rhebergen
Smoke from the Elephant Hill fire.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Frank Rhebergen
Kamloops and surrounding area are all blanketed in thick smoke from surrounding wildfires.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Frank Rhebergen
- With files from Mike McDonald
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