Okanagan Smoky Skies Advisory ended

UPDATE: The Smoky Skies Advisory has ended, thanks to smoke from wildfires subsiding, improving air quality.

Due to the forest fires raging throughout the valley,  a Smoky Skies Advisory has been issued for the entire Okanagan region.

The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health Authority (IHA) are jointly testing out this new type of public advisory that “will be issued when smoke concentrations in an area have, or may, reach levels that are of concern for human health,” according to a statement.

The concentration of forest fire smoke in the Okanagan will vary widely as winds, fire behavior and temperatures change; as a result, residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

Satellite information, smoke transport models, photographs of visual air quality, first-hand observations from the area as well as concentrations of particulate matter recorded at local air quality stations are used to make decisions on the public advisories.

The Smoky Skies Advisory is not the same as the Wildfire Smoke Advisories issues by the Ministry of Environment, which are based mainly on concentrations of particulate matter measured over a 24-hour period in Vernon and Kelowna.

The Ministry of Environment and IHA say the most important things to keep in mind are:

• Those members of the public who are sensitive to the effects of smoke should
  monitor their symptoms and, if necessary, take steps to reduce their exposure to
  smoke.
• During the fire season, a heavy bluish-white haze, possibly accompanied by the
  smell of smoke, are clear indications that smoke concentrations are higher than
  usual.
• The concentrations and air quality health index measured at an air station
  many kilometres away may not be a good indication of local smoke conditions.

Interior Health says during a forest fire, it’s important to be aware of health risks. Click here for food and water quality tips from IHA.

Click here for information from HealthLink B.C. about smoke and your health.

For the latest air quality information for the Okanagan valley, click here.

The Okanagan Smoky Skies advisory will remain in effect until further notice.