Province offers free N95 masks as wildfire smoke persists across B.C. Interior

Summerland, a town in B.C., is battling through a haze of wildfire smoke that has persisted for nearly a week. This smoke has forced residents to remain in evacuation orders and has had a significant impact on local businesses, particularly the wine industry. Mike Stohler, a winery owner in Summerland, was finally able to visit his vineyards after being evacuated.

He reported that most of his property remains intact, aside from a corner where some vineyard posts and materials were burned. However, the road closures and smoke have deterred visitors, disrupting the town's peak tourist season. Stohler fears that the current situation will further diminish the town's income, as 80% of it is generated during this period.

Ron Kubek, another winery owner, shared similar sentiments, expressing relief that his property was still standing but mourning the loss faced by others in the community. Evacuated residents have been allowed to return to their homes near Summerland and West Kelowna, but the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen warns that active fires still pose a threat.

The BC Wildfire Service predicts that wildfire smoke will gradually move back into central areas of the province over the weekend, potentially helping to moderate fire behavior.