Air Quality in Merritt Hazardous

Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Air Quality warning for Merritt and surrounding area who again bear the burnt of nearby wildfires.

The fast-spreading Guichon Creek wildfire west of Logan Lake has prompted parallel evacuation alerts from the District of Logan Lake and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and sent smoke billowing into the Nicola Valley region.

According to Air IQ the air quality jumped from “Moderate” Wednesday July 29 to “Hazardous”  in mere hours.

A link to the website to monitor the air quality index can be found here.

Exposure to smoke can affect your health.

Environment Canada suggests that you should postpone or reduce strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended.  You are encouraged to spend time indoors in a space with cleaner air.

Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke. This includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness.

Monitor the situation for any wildfires near your area at EmergencyInfoBC (https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/).

Follow all emergency announcements relevant to your location.