Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Silvia Senna

AIR QUALITY

Blanket of smoke from Ross Moore Lake fire challenges breathing for Kamloops residents

Jul 25, 2023 | 4:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — Over the last few days, the city of Kamloops has been suffering from the impacts of wildfires near town and those with chronic diseases are the most affected by it.

Hannah Munro has asthma and her condition intensifies during summer season, when wildfire smoke worsens the air quality.

“I definitely need to use my inhaler quite a bit more — especially with the smoke, just because my chest gets very tight from breathing in the smoke all day. I just keep on trying to use my inhaler to open up the lungs to be able to breath,” she explained.

Out of the nearly 500 wildfires burning in the province right now, the Ross Moore Lake fire is having a direct impact on Kamloops. According to Senior Air Quality Meteorologist, Donna Haga, this fire is the one bringing the most amount of smoke into town.

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Kamloops registered 10 on the Air Quality Index Monday morning — the most severe it could get. However, as of late Tuesday afternoon, the index dropped to 2. With the unpredictable forecast, Interior Health is asking everyone to take precautions.

“Anybody can be affected by air quality — particularly from smoke. Generally, if it [air quality index] is less than 3, you can do your normal activities. If it’s between 3 and 5, that’s when you really have to monitor yourself, make sure you’re still feeling okay despite of the smoke,” explained Dr. Carol Fenton, Interior Health’s Medical Health Officer.

Munro is well aware of these precautions and is doing her best to keep herself healthy.

“Trying not to leave my house as much as I would normally do, keeping things shut out just because the smoke is so bad (…) just kinda your own health over comfortable, and you just adapt,” she said.

If smoke symptoms such as cough and sore throat don’t calm down on their own, individuals are advised to look for medical help. Residents can also check air quality index ont the B.C. Air Quality website or download the WeatherCan app to get notifications for their local community.