UPDATED: Air Quality Statement continues — public advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities

By Nelson Daily Staff

A map shows the affect areas in gray as part of the Environment Canada Special Air Quality Statement. — Screen Shot photo

Smoke filters the morning sun as BC wildfires continue to burn throughout the province. Below is the Environment Canada map showing the affected areas in the country.

The Special Air Quality Statement issued by Environment Canada remains as smoke from the BC wildfires continues to cause poor air quality and reducing visibility.

"Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change," the Environment Canada statement said.

"Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease."

The Smoky Skies Bulletin continues for the following areas: Kinbasket, North Columbia, West Columbia, East Columbia, Yoho Park - Kootenay Park, Elk Valley, East Kootenay, Arrow Lake - Slocan Lake, Kootenay Lake, West Kootenay, Boundary, Okanagan, Similkameen, Nicola, South Thompson, North Thompson, 100 Mile, Cariboo (North and South), and Chilcotin.

Environment Canada said this bulletin will remain in effect until further notice.

"Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath," the release said.

"Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk."

Environment Canada issues Special Air Quality Statement for West Kootenay, Boundary

After smoke filled the valley bottoms throughout the Boundary, West Kootenay for most of Monday, Environment Canada issued a Special Air Quality Statement for the region.

"Smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility," the Environment Canada website said. "Smoke is expected or occurring."

"The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority, has issued a Smoky Skies Bulletin for the following areas: Kinbasket, North Columbia, West Columbia, East Columbia, Yoho Park - Kootenay Park, Elk Valley, East Kootenay, Arrow Lake - Slocan Lake, Kootenay Lake, West Kootenay, Boundary, Okanagan, Similkameen, Nicola, South Thompson, North Thompson, 100 Mile, Cariboo (North and South), and Chilcotin."

Environment Canada said smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change.

"Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease."

Environment Canada said this bulletin will remain in effect until further notice.

"Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk."

The Special Air Quality Statement said the public should stay inside if they experience breathing difficulties and find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated.

"Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned."

For more information on current air quality, see: www.bcairquality.ca.