Smoky skies persist in South Okanagan | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kelowna News

Smoky skies persist in South Okanagan

The Christie Mountain wildfire continues to burn south of Penticton. This photo was taken Aug. 19, 2020.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Shay Morrow

Environment Canada continues to warn South Okanagan residents about wildfire smoke today.

A special weather statement was continued this morning, Aug. 20, and rainfall in the province is expected to reduce the smoke levels this evening.

Exposure to wildfire smoke can impact a person’s health.

"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," according to Environment Canada.

READ MORE: High winds to complicate South Okanagan firefighting efforts? Pick your favourite forecast

In smoky conditions:

  • Reduce your activity level if you feel unwell
  • Stay cool and drink fluids
  • Carry fast-reacting medications if you have asthma or other chronic illnesses

BreezoMeter, an online tool used to rate air quality, uses a scale from 1-100, with 100 being the best air quality. The Okanagan and Kamloops is sitting between 70 and 80, as of 1 p.m. Aug. 20.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Christie Mountain wildfire prompted a smoky sky bulletin for Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Keremeos, Oliver and Osoyoos. The wildfire is currently 2,000 hectares in size.

 


To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 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.

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