Province offers free N95 masks as wildfire smoke blankets B.C. Interior
With more than 120 fires burning across the province and 39% classified as out of control, residents can access free masks at local government distribution points.
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The British Columbia government is distributing free N95 masks to residents in Interior communities as wildfire smoke continues to blanket central and southern regions of the province, with more than 120 fires burning and 39% classified as out of control.
Many residents near Summerland and West Kelowna are returning to their homes after evacuation orders related to the Bald Range and Quilpituk Creek wildfires were downgraded in recent days.
Deputy Mayor Erin Trainer of Summerland returned to her home in Trout Creek on Saturday morning and found most of the town still under evacuation with the fire "very much active." The town remains blanketed in smoke, and Trainer spent Saturday cleaning up ashes on her property.
The BC Wildfire Service says wildfire smoke is expected to gradually move back into central areas of the province over the weekend, which could help moderate fire behaviour by reducing the amount of radiant heat reaching the landscape. Temperatures are expected to slightly rise across central and southern regions while northwest areas will see a slight dip.
Residents are encouraged to check with their local governments for information on clean-air locations in their communities where they can access the free masks. The service notes that smoke visibility has disrupted aviation support and crew safety in some areas, affecting helicopter bucketing operations critical to fire suppression.
By the numbers
How many wildfires are currently burning in B.C.?
More than 120 fires are burning across British Columbia, with 39% classified as out of control.
Where can residents get free N95 masks?
Free N95 masks are available at clean-air locations in communities throughout B.C. Interior regions. Residents should check with their local governments for specific distribution points.
