Wildfire smoke brought very high-risk air quality to the South Okanagan Thursday morning as an orange air-quality warning was in effect for the region.
Environment Canada reported an Air Quality Health Index reading of 10-plus, or very high risk, for the South Okanagan at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20. The agency cautions that real-time AQHI observations have not undergone detailed quality control.
Environment Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks issued the orange warning for the South Okanagan, saying wildfire smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
The agencies warned that smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and vary considerably from hour to hour.
Environment Canada advised people to avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the warning ends and to spend time indoors in cleaner air.
People with lung or heart conditions, pregnant people, infants, young children, people 65 and older and those whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness may be more vulnerable to wildfire smoke.
Officials recommended keeping windows and doors closed while indoors, while prioritizing staying cool, and using a good-quality air filter or portable air cleaner to reduce smoke indoors.
Penticton Airport reported smoke at noon Thursday, with visibility reduced to six kilometres.
Environment Canada’s Penticton forecast called for widespread smoke in the Penticton area Thursday and Thursday night, with widespread smoke also expected Friday.
The South Okanagan’s AQHI forecast is four, or moderate risk, through Friday night, but Environment Canada warned it could reach 10, or high risk, when wildfire smoke is present. That forecast is separate from the real-time observation of 10-plus reported Thursday morning.
Residents can monitor current conditions and forecasts through Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index.
