Wildfire smoke in Okanagan Valley prompts air quality alert

People in the area of the Eagle Bluff wildfire in B.C.'s OkanaganValley are being warned to take extra precautions over the next couple of days to prevent exposure to smoke.

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement aimed at areas includingPenticton, Summerland, Naramata, Keremeos, Oliver and Osoyoos.

"Wildfire smoke is a constantly changing mixture of particles and gases, which includes many chemicals that can harm your health," said Environment Canada.

"During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour by hour," a statement said.

People with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, pregnant womenandchildren are morelikely to have their health affected bysmoke exposure.

On Monday, the fire, burning halfway between Oliver and Okanagan Falls, prompted an evacuation alert for more than 200 properties.

An evacuation alert meansresidents must be prepared to leave the area on short notice.

The B.C. Wildfire Service said about 100 personnel, eight helicopters and two water tenders have been assigned to fight the fire. As of Monday afternoon, it had grown to 225 hectares.

Wildfires have burned just over 144 square kilometres in B.C. in 2019,compared to 970 square kilometres consumed as of Aug.5, 2018.