The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health have expanded a smoky skies advisory issued Thursday to include the entire Kootenay/Boundary due to forest-fire smoke.
“Southerly winds have continued to spread further north heavy plumes of smoke from the large wildfires burning in Washington state, resulting in high concentrations of fine particulates and poor air quality,” a statement from reads.
“While this episode is expected to persist until a major shift in wind patterns and weather conditions, smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change.”
The advisory urges avoiding strenuous outdoor activities.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor: difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways.
Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease.