Kamloops residents revel in fresh, smoke-free air (for now)

At a media briefing in Victoria Wednesday afternoon, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry acknowledged the multitude of challenges residents throughout BC has faced.

“I know with heat, smoke, wildfires, and the pandemic it’s been a lot this summer to take in,” Dr. Henry says. “We have to recognize it’s hard not just on people’s physical health, but on their emotional and mental health.”

Many British Columbians have had to cancel plans because of the smoke.

“We had a weekend at the Shuswap planned and had to cancel that because of smoke,” one person said.“Camping, and that,” one visitor from the Lower Mainland explained. “Couldn’t come up to the Interior.”

“I have asthma, so I couldn’t really risk being outside for too long when it’s that bad,” another Kamloops resident said. “Definitely had to cancel plans.”

While others have been able to adjust their plans, or even just escape the smoke altogether.

“We were supposed to go to Vancouver Island,” one young man at Riverside park said. “We cancelled that and are going next week.”

“I’m lucky. I’ve been able to escape it quite a bit,” one Mom told CFJC Today. “I’ve been off to the coast to visit relatives. The hardest part is coming back into it, and knowing it’s here.”

With the upcoming heat warnings, health officials are recommending folks keep an eye on family members and neighbours.

“It’s not something anyone ministry or any one government organization can do,” Dr. Henry said. “It’s something we all need to do.”

However, while the air remains fresh, folks plan to make the best of the clear sky.

“It feels so refreshing. I hate being cooped up inside for so long.”

“This is beautiful, and I hear Music in the Park is back on soon. Looking forward to that, I hope the smoke stays away.”

by Adam Donnelly

Kamloops residents revel in fresh, smoke-free air (for now)

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