(Image credit: CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

Smoky Skies

Smoky skies bulletin issued for Kamloops, Nicola, and Shuswap areas

Aug 12, 2022 | 6:36 AM

UPDATE: (11 a.m.): The smoky skies bulletin ended after around 11 hours.

EARLIER: KAMLOOPS — Kamloops residents are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-to-48 hours.

According to a smoky skies bulletin issued by Environment Canada early Friday (Aug. 12) morning, residents in the North and South Thompson – along with the Fraser Canyon, Nicola, and Shuswap regions – can see smoke conditions change quickly over short distances. Environment Canada says the smoke can vary hour-by-hour.

However, Environment Canada says thunderstorms and convection Friday may clear the smoke, but it may also lead to new fire activity.

While wildfire smoke is a natural part of the environment, Environment Canada says it is a constantly changing mixture of particles and gases which includes many chemicals that can harm people’s health. People with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections such as COVID-19, older adults, pregnant women and infants, children, and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.

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Residents are encouraged to take extra steps to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

The Kamloops area experienced back-to-back days of thunderstorms. On Tuesday (Aug 9), the BC Wildfire Service reported the nearest larger wildfire near Kamloops – the Watching Creek blaze – was unlikely to spread further.