Air Quality Advisory due to Wildfires

Observation: July 7, 2017 marked the starting date of the Elephant Hill wildfire in the interior that would grow substantially in size (estimated 175,000 hectares as of August 29, 2017). Kamloops is relatively close to the origin of the fire, which was approximately one hour West of Kamloops by car. The hot dry summer conditions with little to no rainfall in the July and August months allowed the smoke to accumulate and move inland. The provincial news reported at one point that smoke from the fires burning in B.C. reached as far East as Ontario.

While air quality advisories due to seasonal wildfires may not be entirely uncommon, August 3, 2017 saw an Air Quality Health Index rating of 49, which is one of the highest ratings recorded for Kamloops. For some perspective and comparison, the BC Air Quality scale goes from 1-3 (Low Health Risk), 4-6 (Moderate Health Risk), 7-10 (High health Risk). 10+ (Very high). For visual impact of the smoky conditions, please refer to the adjoining comparison picture. - Neil Kane, Environmental Health Technician, First Nations Health Authority.

Comment by LEO BC coordinator: A number of resources are available from the province of British Columbia, linked below. Prior to August 10th, weather conditions were also pushing smoke to the west causing very high particulate concentrations in the lower mainland and on Vancouver Island. A return to prevailing wind patterns (from the west) resumed after August 10th, pushing the smoke to the East. This post will be updated. - Tom Okey, Ocean Integrity Research and the University of Victoria.

Resources:

BC Air Quality Health Index

Current BC Air Data Map

FireSmoke Smoke Forecast Model

BC Air Data Archive Website