More wildfire smoke expected in the Nicola Valley; officials give safety tips

MERRITT – With wildfires burning in northern B.C., Alberta, and Washington state, wildfire smoke is blowing into the Nicola valley once again.

Officials are warning about the health risks associated with the outside conditions, along with safety tips.

“We encourage people to make sure they keep their homes buttoned up, so windows closed, but if they are running air conditioning units that they are being mindful to check the filters on them because they can become quite clogged.” said Krista Minar, Emergency Management Coordinator with Merritt Fire Rescue. “Generally speaking we encourage people from doing exterior activities, especially if they are prone to allergies or other issues when they are doing it, so anything where there is heavy exertion, if they are running outside or they are doing heavy yard work, we encourage people to maybe wait until the smoke dies out a little bit.”

Minar added the wildfire smoke can affect everybody, but those with increased health issues need to pay close attention.

“Wildfire smoke can definitely trigger people with asthma or other chronic respiratory issues and we see that a lot more with the elderly.”

According to the Fire smoke forecast, wildfire smoke is expected to linger in Merritt over the next couple of days, getting thicker at various times throughout.