A view of the Glenfir Road wildfire as seen from Jones Flat Road in Summerland on July 22, 2018. Though not a wildfire of note, it is one of the many fires in the area that's calling Environment Canada to issue a special air quality statement.
(SHELBY THEVENOT / iNFOnews.ca)
July 22, 2018 - 9:58 AM
UPDATE- This morning B.C. Wildfire sent out an update that the Mount Eneas fire burning at 1374 hectares is exhibiting low ranking fire behaviour.
Officials are classifying the wildfire as rank one and two fire behaviour, characteristic of a low-intensity ground fire the B.C. Wildfire website explains.
Evacuation alerts are still in effect. The North Beach Road north of Summerland Evacuation order has been rescinded and downgraded to an alert.
The Callan Road evacuation orders off Highway 97 have also been downgraded to an alert.
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement in effect for the Central and South Okanagan.
Smoke from the fires is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Peachland. It is also affecting Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Keremeos, Oliver and Osoyoos.
Some people may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk the alert says.
The environment officials recommend to those with breathing difficulties to stay inside. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to an air conditioned public place such as a library, mall or recreation centre.
For more information:
B.C. Wildfire regularily updates its webpage on the Mount Eneas wildfire here.
Go here for the latest information, evacuation orders and alerts, from the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre.
Go here for the latest evacuation orders and alerts from the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen.
Go here for the latest evacuation orders and alerts from the District of Summerland.
For the latest on road closures go to the Drive B.C. website here.
For the latest information on air quality go here.
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