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UPDATED: Environment Canada expects improvements to air quality due to weather change

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
September 13th, 2020

Environment Canada said Regions of BC highlighted on the map below, including the West Kootenay, Boundary, are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 72 hours.

Environment Canada said smoke impacts will continue but improve across southern regions of the province today.

Environment Canada said by late Wednesday-early Thursday, smoke from the wildfires in the United States is expected to return to the southern third of the province.

Environment Canada said in the longer term, more substantial improvements to air quality are expected due to a change in weather.

The Environment Canada map shows the southern section of BC, including West Kootenay, Boundary, still dealing with smoke.

 

Smoke forecast models indicate significant push of smoke into BC

Most of BC, including West Kootenay, Boundary regions, are expected to be impacted wildfire smoke during the next 24 to 72 hours Environment Canada said on its website.

Environment Canada continues its Special Air Quality statement for at least Sunday and Monday.

“The bulletin has been extended to include more regions over the weekend,” Environment Canada said.

“Smoke impacts due to long-range transport from wildfires in the western United States have already been observed in some areas of Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and portions of the Interior.

Environment Canada said smoke forecast models indicate the potential for a significant push of smoke into BC throughout the weekend.

Environment Canada said the anticipated smoke trajectory indicates that the areas impacted will grow to the north and east as the weekend progresses with the most widespread impacts expected on Sunday.

“Areas at higher latitudes, such as Prince George, may have smoke passing through the region aloft,” Environment Canada said.

“With falling temperatures overnight, temperature inversions in mountain valleys can increase the likelihood of smoke being trapped near the ground.

“Localized impacts from the Talbott Creek, Woodbury Creek, and Doctor Creek fires continue to be expected.”

The Talbott Creek fire in the Slocan Valley has grown to 800 hectares while the Woodbury Creek wildfire near Kokanee Provincial Park between Ainsworth and Kaslo has ballooned to more than 1,000 hectares.

Environment Canada said members of the public exposed to wildfire smoke should consider taking extra precautions to reduce their exposure.

“Wildfire smoke is a constantly-changing mixture of particles and gasses which includes many chemicals that can harm your health” Environment Canada said.

For more details, please consult www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/wildfire-smoke.html.

 

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