The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health have ended a smoke advisory for Creston and area. Started on Friday, it was extended three times, and cancelled this morning.
"Smoke concentrations have continued to decrease since Tuesday evening and remain below the provincial objectives for fine particulate matter," said a press release. "Conditions are expected to continue to improve in the upcoming days with heavy rainfall and strong winds forecasted for Wednesday afternoon and Thursday."
From July 22:
The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health have extended through Wednesday a smoke advisory for Creston and area. Initially started that morning, the advisory was later extended through the weekend, and, on Monday, through Tuesday.
"Wildfire smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change," said the Ministry of Environment press release.
Smoke levels returned to normal on Sunday, but increased again due to wildfire activity in Washington state and meteorological patterns. As predicted, high levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter up to 2.5 micrometers in size) have persisted, a but a change in weather may clear the air.
"Smoke concentrations have continued to increase since Monday morning and are now very close to the provincial objective for fine particulate matter," said a release this afternoon. "Conditions are expected to improve in the upcoming days with heavy rainfall and strong winds forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday."
On Friday afternoon, the hourly average of PM2.5 (particulate matter up to 2.5 micrometers in size) concentrations was 38 micrograms per cubic metre, and the 24 hour average was 32 micrograms per cubic metre. Those levels were up from, respectively, the 28 and 29 micrograms reported Friday morning.
The ministry and IH recommend that anyone in the area avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and contact their health care provider if they are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways.
"Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease," said the release.
For information on current air quality, visit www.bcairquality.ca. For tips on what to do during periods of reduced air quality, visit www.interiorhealth.ca.