Wildfire smoke warning remains in effect across the Boundary
GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks, Midway and Greenwood remain under an air-quality warning Monday as wildfire smoke continues to hang over the Boundary.
The province issued an updated wildfire-smoke bulletin Aug. 17, keeping the Boundary under a yellow warning. Environment Canada lists the warning as having a moderate impact level with high forecast confidence.
The warning was updated at 12:27 p.m. PDT Monday and is expected to remain in place as smoke affects, or is likely to affect, the region over the next 24 to 48 hours. Smoke conditions can vary considerably over short distances and change from hour to hour.
Environment Canada's latest Grand Forks forecast calls for widespread smoke Monday night, along with a 30 per cent chance of showers and a risk of thunderstorms. Local smoke is expected to persist Tuesday, when the temperature is forecast to reach 31 C.
The Boundary is part of a broad swath of southern B.C. covered by Monday's smoke bulletin. Yellow warnings also include West Kootenay, Kootenay Lake, Arrow Lakes-Slocan Lake and the Central, North and South Okanagan, among other regions.
Under a yellow warning, people are advised to postpone or reduce strenuous outdoor activity until the warning ends and spend time indoors where the air is cleaner.
People with heart or lung conditions, pregnant people, infants and young children, adults 65 and older, and people whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness are considered more likely to be affected by smoke.
Anyone who develops breathing discomfort or feels unwell should reduce their activity level. More serious symptoms can include wheezing, chest pain or a severe cough.
To reduce exposure, the province recommends keeping windows and doors closed when practical, using a good-quality air filter or portable air cleaner and setting vehicle ventilation systems to recirculate. People who must spend time outside can reduce their exposure to fine particles by wearing a well-fitting N95 or equivalent respirator.
The province says its next wildfire-smoke warning update will be issued Aug. 18.
Eighteen Grand Forks athletes competed at the Canadian Junior Ultimate Championships in Surrey this month, with Natalie Sjoden returning home with a bronze medal as a member of Canyon Women.