Wildfire smoke degrades air quality across parts of B.C.; warnings remain in effect

Smoke from ongoing wildfires in British Columbia continues to reduce air quality across several parts of the province, with Kelowna experiencing hazardous conditions on Thursday.

According to IQAir, Kelowna's Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 300 at one point Thursday afternoon, making it the city with the poorest air quality in the world during that period. Earlier in the week, Ashcroft recorded Canada's worst air quality on Monday morning.

Environment Canada has maintained high-impact air quality warnings for several regions, including the Fraser Canyon, Merritt and Kelowna. The agency says wildfire smoke can pose health risks, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.

Reports indicate some visitors in Kelowna cut short their trips because of the smoky conditions. Connect Newsroom has not independently verified those reports.