B.C. offering free N95 masks for B.C. Interior as wildfire smoke persists
The wildfire service says temperatures are expected to slightly rise across central and southern regions while northwest areas will see a slight dip in temperatures.
British Columbia is providing free N95 masks to residents in the province's Interior region as persistent wildfire smoke continues to pose a threat. Erin Trainer, a deputy mayor and councillor in Summerland, returned to her town of Trout Creek on Saturday and reported that most of the town is still under evacuation order due to the ongoing fire, which remains "very much active."
The BC Wildfire Service has indicated that the wildfire smoke is expected to gradually move back into central areas of the province over the weekend, potentially helping to reduce the amount of radiant heat reaching the landscape and moderating fire behaviour.
As evacuation orders for the Bald Range and Quilpituk Creek wildfires have been downgraded, many residents are now permitted to return to their homes near Summerland and West Kelowna. However, the province advises that residents should check with their local governments for information on clean-air locations and the availability of N95 masks.
There are over 120 active fires burning in British Columbia, with 39 percent of them currently classified as out of control. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the free N95 masks offered in the B.C. Interior to protect themselves from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.
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