Update:
The air quality advisory has been ended due to improved dispersion resulting in decreasing particulate concentrations.
Original story:
The Ministry of Environment in collaboration with regional health authorities has issued air quality advisories for Williams Lake, Vanderhoof, Kamloops, Houston, Burns Lake, Smithers and Telkwa because of high concentrations of fine particulates.
"It will probably be in place for a couple of days," said Graham Veale, air quality meteorologist with the ministry from his office in Surrey. "There's a potential of a weak frontal system to move through tomorrow, but I'm not sure if it's going to effect it too much. We've got a stable mass of air sitting over the Interior right now which is not promoting a lot of good dispersion and triggering inversions like you're seeing in Williams Lake."
The ministry advises persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Staying indoors and in air conditioned spaces helps to reduce fine particulate exposure.
Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
Open burning restrictions are now in effect for Vanderhoof, Kamloops, Houston, Burns Lake, Smithers, Telkwa and Williams Lake.
No new fires may be initiated and no additional material may be added to existing fires.
For more information on current air quality, see: WWW.BCAIRQUALITY.CA.