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Smoke and haze visible in distance from downtown Vernon. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters Staff)
By Pete McIntyre
Air quality statement

Smoke from distant fires impacting Okanagan

Oct 18, 2022 | 2:25 PM

It’s getting smoky in the Okanagan and other parts of B.C.

An air quality statement has been issued for a number of regions, along with a smoky skies bulletin, with the conditions expected to remain for at least one or two days.

Click here for the statement.

Taylor Coleman, information officer with the B.C. Wildfire Service said the smoke is coming from fires south of the Okanagan.

“In Washington state, there are a quite a few large fires that are putting out smoke and then as well, the Coastal Fire Centre has a lot of fire activity as well,” Coleman told Vernon Matters.

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Coleman said nothing in the Interior is causing the smoke.

The information officer said the B.C. fires responsible are near Manning Park and Heather Lake, while Vancouver Island also has a number of fires.

“I believe it’s anticipated to lift Thursday when we get some inflow winds from the coast that will bring in some fresher air,” Coleman added.

by Pete McIntyre
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