The majority of the thick smoke blanketing many areas of southern B.C., is drifting northward from large wildfires in the United States.

The smoke arrived in British Columbia yesterday evening due to strong southerly winds. A temperature inversion trapped the smoke in the valley bottoms which has resulted in poor visibility and air quality issues.

Detecting new fires in this situation can be challenging. If you spot open flame from a new wildfire or a distinct column of smoke, please report it to *5555 or 1 800 663-5555 as soon as possible.

The most active fire in the Kamloops Fire Centre is the 3,100-hectare Testalinden Creek wildfire south of Oliver. Firefighters are reassessing tactics today because air operations could be restricted due to reduced visibility. Crews continue to work all hours day and night to increase containment on this wildfire. The majority of the smoke in the local area is drifting up from across the U.S./Canada border.

Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change. The wildfire smoke is expected to remain for the next few days. To see the current smoke forecast for western Canada, visit: http://firesmoke.ca

For the latest information about air quality, check: www.bcairquality.ca

For more information about forest fires and your health, visit Interior Health’s website: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourEnvironment/EmergencyPreparedness/Pages/Forest-Fires.aspx

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity or burning restrictions visit: www.bcwildfire.ca.

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