UPDATE: Heat, air quality warnings issued for Kamloops and area

If your plans to beat the heat involve swimming in an open body of water, Kamloops Fire Rescue says to head to Riverside Park.

“With the dangers surrounding the Thompson River, we have had some drownings in the past few years, and we’re just trying to mitigate that risk as much as possible,” Life Safety Educator Josh Cowen said.

“Swimming at Riverside Park – yes, the current is there but its not as bad as other parts of the city and we have a lifeguard in place that is going to be able to watch over the little kids, adults and people that can’t swim as well.”

While heat affects everyone, Environment Canada notes the risks are greater for seniors and people:

who live alone
with pre-existing health conditions
with mental illness
with substance use disorders
with limited mobility

“Check on family, friends and neighbours who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space,” Environment Canada said in a statement. “Watch for early signs of heat illness (feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache, unusually dark urine) as these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies.”

People are also urged to drink water regularly, even before they feel thirsty, and to never leave vulnerable people, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.

More information can be found here.

Wednesday afternoon, a yellow-level air quality advisory was also issued for the South Thompson and the Lytton area. It’s due to smoke from the fires near Boston Bar. The Brunswick Creek fire is around 30 square kilometres in size, while the Ainslie Creek fire is an estimated 162 square kilometres in size.

“During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour,” the weather alert said, noting smoke is expected to lead to poor air quality and reduced visibility for the next 24 to 48 hours.

People are urged to postpone or reduce strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended, and to spend time 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,” the alert said.

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

The next update will be available on Thursday (July 15) and it will be posted here.

The latest on the weather alerts can be found here.

– With files from Aaron Schulze/CFJC Today

by Victor Kaisar

UPDATE: Heat, air quality warnings issued for Kamloops and area

Our Community