Residents across the Thompson, Shuswap and Okanagan regions are advised to spend more time indoors and seek cleaner air as the skies turn hazy the next couple days, Interior Health (IH) says.
With wildfire smoke expected to pass through Wednesday night, Sept. 3, the provincial government has issued air quality warnings around the regional health authority.
According to BC Wildfire Service, communities such as Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Salmon Arm, Revelstoke, Vernon and Penticton could get from 120 to 250 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter between Wednesday night and Friday morning, Sept. 5. That means five to 10 times more smoke than the daily average of about 27 micrograms.
"Those with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes, as well as pregnant women, infants and young children are most affected by wildfire smoke," IH said in a release. "The best way to protect your health from wildfire smoke is to reduce your exposure to smoke and seek cleaner air."
The health authority directs residents to reduce time outside; consider wearing a respirator such as an N95 mask to limit particulate matter exposure; have a medical management plan for independently allocating rescue medications and handling respiratory and cardiovascular disease; and find a room at home or elsewhere in the community with access to a portable air cleaner.
Additionally, the B.C. government recommends staying cool, drinking plenty of fluids, carrying personal rescue medications at all times, and stopping or reducing activity if experiencing breathing challenges or feeling unwell.
Residents are also encouraged to monitor themselves for headaches, coughs, wheezing, chest pain, and irritation of the eyes, nose or throat.
The province notes that even at home or inside other buildings, smoke levels may become elevated, making it prudent to keep doors and windows closed and use an air filter as well.
IH points to a plethora of handy resources during wildfire smoke-overs, including its , the , , 's hourly PM2.5 observations, and 's guidance for sheltering at home.
Those experiencing severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain should contact their primary care provider or 811, while those with health emergencies should call 911.
Visit for the latest wildfire smoke mapping and two-day forecasts.
