Smoky skies lingering

Photo: Bernadette Jarrard

A view of the Goode's Creek wildfire on July 18 and, in the distance, the Mount Eneas wildfire.

A special air quality statement from Environment Canada remains in place in several areas of the province, including the Central and South Okanagan and Boundary regions.

The smoky skies advisory was first issued on Thursday for the Okanagan, due to wildfire smoke in the region.

The North Okanagan had been included on that list but no longer is, as of late Saturday morning. 

The federal air quality index shows the North, Central and South Okanagan will be at a three rating by the end of Saturday, considered a "low risk" to health.

Regardless, due to smoke in the air, Environment Canada says children, seniors and people with health issues that could be agitated need to take precautions.

"Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help," the advisory says, which adds keeping windows open will let in polluted air.

The air quality statement is expected to be updated next on Sunday.