Image Credit: CFJC Today / Jill Sperling

By Jill Sperling

Smoky Kamloops

Interior Health urges people to stay indoors as wildfire smoke hangs over Kamloops

Sep 14, 2020 | 4:20 PM

KAMLOOPS — The wildfire smoke from the fires along the west coast of the United States has reached Kamloops.

“There are lots of fires all the way up the American border in California, Oregon and Washington State, and there are also still a few smaller local fires in B.C. that are contributing locally to some places as well,” said Carmen Hartt, meteorologist with Environment Canada.

The smoke moved in over the weekend, reaching a 10+ rating on Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index, the highest rating on the scale. Environment Canada has issued a special air quality advisory for much of B.C. How long the smoke will linger in Kamloops remains to be seen.

“Mid-week, maybe by Wednesday we could see some improvement,” Hartt said. “But because those fires are so big and there’s so much smoke, every time the weather patterns change we could expect a return with more smoke events in the next coming few weeks.”

Interior Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton is encouraging people to stay indoors and avoid rigorous physical activities as the poor air quality may elevate health risks.

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“What happens with the smoke is the products from combustion, so from the fires, creates small particles that are in the air, we breathe them in and they can irritate the airways,” Fenton said. “It can cause coughing, a hoarse voice, increased mucus production and just difficulty breathing.”

People with respiratory conditions are at a higher risk of health concerns, as are the elderly and people who work outdoors.

Fenton says the health effects of the smoke could be confused with COVID-19 symptoms.

“Since the symptoms of COVID are non-specific, they’re a respiratory infection, so things like cough and congestion could be a result of both,” she said. “The differentiating features are you’re more likely to get a fever with an infection like COVID, and with the smoke you’re more likely to have your symptoms relieved once you’re away from the smoke, so once you go indoors and you spend some time and you just relax.”

Fenton says one of the biggest challenges associated with the smoke during this pandemic is that it is limiting outdoor prevention efforts.

“While the smoke creates challenges in terms of dining outdoors and other activities that were safer with COVID, it’s still possible to be safe if we implement all of the other safety and prevention measures,” Fenton said. “So, please continue washing your hands and staying home when you’re sick and wearing a mask if physical distancing isn’t possible to maintain indoors.”