Residents in Revelstoke may have caught their first glimpse of smoke in the air this morning (May 17), and according to experts, more is on the way.
Environment Canada says smoke from wildfires in the Interior is expected to worsen in the coming days.
READ MORE: Smoky haze from active wildfires expected to get worse in B.C. Interior
Winds shifting south are expected to bring wildfire smoke from Northeastern B.C., Alta., and Sask., to the B.C. Interior.
According to the Revelstoke Fire Rescue Service, the closest wildfire of note is near the village of McBride, roughly 500km north of Revelstoke.
“Forest fire smoke is a complex and dynamic mixture of gases and very small particles that can irritate the respiratory system and cause systemic inflammation,” said the Revelstoke Fire Rescue Service in a post on Facebook.”
If you have a chronic condition, have rescue medication on hand at all times and a plan to follow if your rescue medication cannot bring your condition under control. Look for indoor environments that might be less smoky, such as shopping malls, community centres and libraries.”
A ban on open burning will be put in place across the Southeast Fire Centre, which includes Revelstoke, starting at noon on Thursday (May 18).
The ban applies to Category 2 and 3 burns, which include burning piles of materials and grass stubble. Campfires are still permitted.
READ MORE: Open burning banned across the Southeast Fire Centre
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josh.piercey@revelstokereview.com
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