Much of B.C. is under air quality warnings as thick smoke from fires on both sides of the border blankets several communities. In Kelowna, smoke hangs thick over Lake Okanagan, reducing visibility and making it difficult to see the opposite shore in places. Local man Rob Law told CTV News that wasn’t enough to keep him from going for a run on the city’s boardwalk. “You run out of breath a lot quicker. It feels like your lungs can’t absorb the oxygen they need,” he said. “I think you can still get out and move for sure, and just take it easy and don’t go crazy.” The air quality index in the central Okanagan is rated at 10+, or very high risk, according to Environment Canada, which warns against those with heart and lung conditions, children and seniors exerting themselves outside. Healthcare professionals have said everyone should avoid spending too much time outside, especially those with vulnerabilities and underlying conditions. “Particularly for small children, for the elderly and anyone with kind of respiratory illnesses,” said Jed Kaplan, a climate researcher at the University of Calgary. “Smoke exposure can be really hazardous to your health. It can exacerbate existing conditions.” These unsafe conditions led to the cancellation of the Argus Apple Triathlon, which was scheduled for Sunday in Kelowna. “The decision was made to prioritize the safety of athletes, volunteers, and the residents of Kelowna,” organizers said, in a statement. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the smoke provides one silver lining. It’s keeping conditions slightly cooler on the ground, reducing fire behaviour and growth on the Bradley Creek complex of fires. While it provides a reprieve, BCWS said crews will monitor the situation closely because when the smoke clears, the potential increase in heat and wind could bring a corresponding increase in fire activity. The Bradley Creek fire was measured at 2,853 hectares as of Friday afternoon, and continues to pour smoke into the region.
