Special air quality statement warns of smoky air for Kamloops, B.C., area
People with pre-existing health conditions, infants and the elderly may be affected
British Columbia's environment ministry has released a special air quality statement for the city of Kamloops and the surrounding communities as thermometers continue to rise.
The statement from the B.C. Ministry of Environment says the area on the north side of the Thompson River may be affected by wildfire smoke after a blaze ignited early Thursday afternoon on the northeast side of Kamloops, about 350 kilometres northeast of Vancouver.
Infants, elderly at higher risk
It warns that anyone with pre-existing health conditions, infants, the elderly and those with a particular sensitivity to smoke exposure may be affected.
More than 100 firefighters were working on the blaze Sunday, aided by two helicopters and four specialized tanker trucks used to transport water to a fire.
- Lightning could spark wildfires in B.C. Interior Friday afternoon
- High winds and lack of rain suggests no breaks in sight for B.C. wildfire season
Jody Lucius of the BC Wildfire Service said Saturday that crews have limited the wildfire's growth by setting up fireguards and establishing a 30-metre perimeter by controlled burning of potential fuel for the fire.
The wildfire is an estimated 545 hectares, growing nearly 45 hectares from Saturday's measurement, and investigators are still determining the specific cause of the fire.