Kamloops posted Jul 18, 2024 @ 02:22pm by Cheyanna Lorraine

Smoky skies bulletin issued for Kamloops, Cache Creek, Spences Bridge

With several new wildfire starts over the last two days, smoke is starting to roll into the Kamloops area and a smoky skies bulletin has been issued.

The South Thompson area, which includes Kamloops, Rayleigh, Monte Creek, Cache Creek, Spences Bridge and Logan Lake, can expect to see smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours.

“Lightning has contributed to widespread new fires across the province, this can impact local smoke conditions very quickly,” the bulletin says.

“A broad layer of smoke haze is visible across the interior of the province and could impact communities overnight.”

<who> Photo Credit: Province of BC

The smoke is likely coming from a large fire burning between Spences Bridge and Ashcroft and others burning throughout the Interior.

Although wildfire smoke is quite common in BC during the summer, Interior Health reminds people to take extra precautions to protect themselves.

According to the bulletin, people with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections and sensitive individuals are more likely to feel the impacts of the widespread wildfire smoke.

People are advised to stop or reduce time outdoors, stay cool and drink plenty of water, carry rescue medications if you have asthma or other chronic illnesses.

For more information and resources on how to protect yourself from the smoke, click here.

^{Thumbnail photo credit: Courtesy of Tourism Kamloops webcam}

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