A smoky skies bulletin has been issued for southern BC, including for Howe Sound and Vancouver Island as well as Okanagan and Kootenays.
These regions are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The wildfire smoke from the United States has impacted air quality throughout much of southern BC, according to the Ministry of Environment.
Localized impacts in the East and West Kootenays are also expected from the Doctor Creek and Talbott Creek wildfires.
During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour by hour, the ministry added.
“Wildfire smoke is a natural part of our environment but it is important to be mindful that exposure to smoke may affect your health,” the Ministry of Environment said.
People with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections such as COVID-19, older adults, pregnant women and infants, children, and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.
Exposure to wildfire smoke and the virus that causes COVID-19 can both result in respiratory symptoms such as a dry cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.
