Orange Air Quality Warning in Effect for Nicola Region

Alert Details

Orange warning - air quality - in effect. Issued by Environment Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks. Effective from 2026-08-08T08:23:53-00:00, expires 2026-08-09T00:23:53-00:00. Severity: Severe. Urgency: Immediate.

Affected Areas

The Nicola region is being impacted or is likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke. Widespread air quality impacts are occurring throughout the Southern and Central Interior of British Columbia.

What You Should Do

Exposure to high smoke levels can pose a threat to health regardless of age or health status. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended. Stay indoors in a space with cleaner air. Stop or reduce activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable. Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. Carry rescue medications. Monitor symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain or severe cough, contact a physician or call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Keep windows and doors closed when indoors. Use a certified portable air cleaner if available. Spend time in places with cleaner air such as community centres or libraries if home is smoky. Wear a NIOSH-certified N95 respirator if outdoors. Check on others who may be more vulnerable.

Expected Conditions

Wildfire smoke continues to pool under the high pressure system over BC. Smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and vary hour-by-hour. Brief and sporadic pockets of clearing may occur in some regions, but widespread clearing is not expected.

Timeline

The warning is effective immediately on August 8, 2026, and remains in effect until August 9, 2026 at 00:23:53 UTC. The next update will be available on August 08, 2026.