Wildfires result in smoky skies bulletin issued for Okanagan

Those who suffer from breathing issues, who travel to the Okanagan region are reminded that Environment Canada has issued a smoky skies bulletin on Monday, July 22.

With smoke from major wildfires in the Okanagan like the Echo Lake wildfire, and at Four Mile Creek at Shuswap Lake’s Anstey Arm expected to sit over the region for the next 24 to 48 hours, the special air quality statement has been issued for Kelowna, Vernon, Summerland and outlying areas..

The weather agency says the fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke can pose a health risk to people, especially the elderly, pregnant women, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors or involved in strenuous outdoor exercise, and people with existing illness or chronic health conditions.

Symptoms from exposure to wildfire smoke include eye, nose and throat irritation, and in more serious cases chest pains and severe coughs.