Landfill fire prompts health warning in Kamloops
Residents near Mission Flats advised to keep windows closed, stay indoors
Officials in Kamloops have warned people near a landfill fire Wednesday to stay inside and keep doors and windows closed due to health concerns.
The fire set off a plume of thick black smoke from the Mission Flats landfill on the west side of the city in central B.C., starting at around 6:30 a.m. PT.
People living in the area were advised by city officials to shelter in place with windows and doors closed.
Fire officials say the blaze is contained but the landfill will be closed for the remainder of the day. The cause is under investigation.
Earlier in the day, the school district had been advised to keep students indoors as well, but deputy fire chief Ryan Cail said that is no longer necessary.
"There is still a little bit of smoke in the air, but ... the threat's diminished quite significantly," he said.
"What we would continue to say is that if you are somebody that is in the direct area, of course we want to reduce any kind of exposure for anybody. So if you have to be in that area, continue to wear a mask or stay indoors."