Special air quality statement for Okanagan

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for the Okanagan as a result of smoke blanketing the valley.

There’s a ‘smoky skies bulletin’ in effect for North Thompson, South Thompson, Shuswap, 100 Mile, Cariboo (North and South), Chilcotin, Nicola, Okanagan, Similkameen, Fraser Canyon, East Kootenay, and East Columbia.

Most of the smoke is coming from the south — a large fire burning in Washington State.

The air quality index for the Central Okanagan and South Okanagan is five out of 10 or moderate while it’s up to seven in the South Okanagan.

Environment Canada warns that people may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath as a result of the smoke.

It recommends staying indoors if you’re having breathing difficulties.