Kamloops-area wildfire smoke warnings downgraded but risks still persist

The Lytton area remains under an orange warning, which was put in place Thursday afternoon.

“In order to get an orange criteria, that means there is a high risk and high confidence at least in the short term of this continuing to be an issue and that there is a fairly significant health risk associated with it,” Environment Canada meteorologist Morgen Shull said of the criteria.

In other words, Environment Canada says orange alerts mean severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption or health concerns, the impacts of which are expected to be major, widespread and may be felt for a few days.

The more common yellow alerts are used to denote moderate, short-term impacts, while the rare red alerts are issued when impacts are expected to extensive, widespread and prolonged.

“Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,” Environment Canada said in a statement. “During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour by hour.”

The next air quality update is expected to come sometime Friday and details will be shared here.

Friday’s weather forecast is calling for widespread smoke in the Kamloops area, as the region continues to feel the impacts of smoke from wildfires in the Fraser Canyon. Shull said that smoke is expected to linger for a while.

“This would need either the fire obviously to be put out, heavy rain or a few wind shifts to really change the air quality in the Kamloops region,” she said.

The Kamloops forecast as of 11:00 a.m. on July 10, 2026. (Image Credit: Environment Canada)

While the pungent odour is a familiar sign of summers in the Interior, the weather agency as well as health officials are still urging people to take proper precautions until the smoke blows over.

“Exposure to high smoke levels can pose threat to your health regardless of age of health status,” the alert added. “Avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended. Stay indoors in a space with cleaner air.”

“Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke. This includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness.”

More information on how to protect yourself from wildfire smoke can be found here.

by Victor Kaisar

Kamloops-area wildfire smoke warnings downgraded but risks still persist

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