UPDATE: Orange, yellow air quality warnings remain for Okanagan, Thompson, Eastern Fraser Valley
Published 4:00 pm Friday, August 14, 2026
By Jordy Cunningham/Kelowna Capital News
Updated air quality advisories in place for B.C. Friday, Aug. 14.
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Wildfire smoke continues to be prevalent in multiple parts of B.C.
On Friday, Aug. 14, Environment Canada issued orange and yellow air quality warnings due to wildfire smoke.
Currently, 100 Mile House and the South Okanagan from Summerland to Osoyoos are under orange warnings, meaning conditions are expected to last longer than 48 hours.
However, Environment Canada said conditions are expected to improve.
“Cooler, wetter, convective conditions have led to clearing in many regions and improvements across the Central and Southern Interior. Localized impacts will continue today downwind of the Brunswick Creek, Ainslie Creek, and Bald Range fires.”
Central and North Okanagan, Shuswap, Arrow Lakes, South Thompson, Nicola, Similkameen, Manning, Fraser Canyon, North Harrison Lake, Whistler, Howe Sound and Chilcotin are all under a yellow air quality warning.
For the affected areas, residents should still take precautions.
Actions you can take for regions under orange warnings:
Exposure to high smoke levels can pose threat to your health regardless of age or health status. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended. Stay indoors in a space with cleaner air.
Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke. This includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness.
During smoky conditions:
Follow Your Common Sense:
– Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you feel unwell.
– Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
– Carry any rescue medications with you at all times.
– Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves follow the same advice.
Monitor Your Symptoms:
– Different people have different responses to smoke.
– Mild irritation and discomfort such as eye, nose and throat irritation, phlegm production, runny nose, headaches or mild cough are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.
– More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
– People with asthma or other chronic illness should follow any personal care plans designed with their family physicians.
– If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.
– If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your physician, walk-in clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Tips To Reduce Smoke Exposure:
– Smoke levels may still be elevated indoors, so stay aware of your symptoms even when you are indoors.
– When indoors, keep windows and doors closed. If it is hot, prioritize keeping cool.
– Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Use a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. Do-it-yourself air cleaners may also be used if other options are unavailable. For more details, see the BC Centre for Disease Control Do-it Yourself Air Cleaners fact sheet.
– If your home is smoky or hot, spend time in places with cleaner, air conditioned air such as community centres, libraries, or malls.
– If you must be outside, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
– When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with the air flow (or air conditioning) set to recirculate.
– Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.
– Always follow guidance from local authorities.
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