View from downtown Vernon with an increase in the smoky haze evident on the hillsides. (File photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Pete McIntyre

300 fires burning in BC

UDATE: Wildfire smoke improves in Okanagan

Jul 16, 2021 | 6:30 AM

UPDATE Friday July 16

The air quality health index has improved in the North Okanagan today, after hitting the high risk level on Thursday.

Environment Canada has the index at at 2 or low risk, with a forecast for it to reach the moderate range later today.

The smoke is mostly coming from fires in other areas of B.C., with 305 active fires in BC and 108 in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

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Wildfire smoke increases in Okanagan Jul 15, 2021 | 3:47 PM

The air quality health index for Vernon and Kelowna has jumped to high risk today with more smoke blowing in from fires in B.C.

There are more than 300 active fires in the province including over 100 in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Worst day yet. https://t.co/oOzN58nBwg

— Tom Mark (@TomMarknews) July 15, 2021

Officials with the Wildfire Service say due to the ongoing warm, dry weather, B.C.’s fire season is a month ahead of its normal schedule with over 1,100 fires so far this year.

“The conditions are typical of what we face in August, so essentially our fire season has been pushed forward approximately a month,” Kurtis Isfeld, manager of operations for BCWS, told a news conference. “So in response to the current conditions, BC Wildfire Service is continuing to prioritize its efforts with a primary focus around life and safety.”

Isfeld said about 35 per cent of fires this year have been attributed to human activity, with 48 per cent from natural causes and the other 16 percent are not yet determined.

About 2,500 personnel are currently involved in fighting fires in B.C., which includes 1,000 contract personnel and 150 aircraft.

Smoke on July 16 as viewed on Kalamalka Lake in Coldstream (Photo credit: Judi Folk/Facebook)

During smoky conditions, follow your common sense

• Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you feel unwell.

• Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.

• If you have asthma or other chronic illness, carry any rescue (fast-acting) medications with you at all times and activate your personal care plan that has been designed with your family physician.

• Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves follow the same advice. Monitor your symptoms

• People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.

• 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. Use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to help determine whether you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.

• If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. • If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your health care provider, walk-in clinic, or emergency department.