Smoke from wildfire in Okanagan Valley triggers air quality alert
'During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour'
As a result of smoke from the ongoing Eagle Bluff wildfire, Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement.
Areas that could be impacted by the smoke and are included in the statement are Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Keremeos, Oliver and Osoyoos, B.C.
"During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour," Environment Canada said in the statement.
The alert is issued to warn the public to consider taking extra precautions to lower the exposure to wildfire smoke.
"Wildfire smoke is a constantly changing mixture of particles and gasses, which includes many chemicals that can harm your health," said Environment Canada.
People most likely to experience health effects from the smoke include those with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, pregnant women and children.
On Monday, the fire, which is burning in an area between Oliver and Okanagan Falls, elicited an evacuation alert for more than 200 properties. Under an evacuation alert, residents must be prepared to leave on short notice.
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) about 100 personnel, eight helicopters, and two water tenders have been assigned to the fire.
An update from the BCWS Tuesday night estimated the size of the fire as 600 hectares, up significantly over the course of the day after it "experienced significant growth as a result of extreme conditions and due to the terrain that it is burning in."
Wildfires have burned just over 144 square kilometres in B.C. so far this year, compared to the 970 square kilometres consumed as of August 5, 2018.
More than 200 properties are on evacuation alert and Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement aimed at areas including Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Keremeos, Oliver and Osoyoos. The official evacuation alert says that impacted individuals should be prepared to evacuate their premises or property if an evacuation order is issued.
Sources: CTV News | Regional District Of Okanagan-Similkameen | CBC