Wildfire smoke leads to air quality warnings for Kootenays and Boundary

Listen to the broadcast version of this story, which aired on Kootenay Morning on August 7, 2026:

By Jaime Frederick, Local Journalism Initiative

With wildfires now burning in many parts of British Columbia, air quality warnings are currently in effect for most of the Southern Interior region, including the West Kootenays and the Boundary.

Morgan Shull, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, says most of the smoke in our region is coming from the large wildfire complexes to the west. These include the Brunswick Creek complex in the Fraser Canyon, the Deer Lake wildfires near Clinton and the Bradley Creek fires near Vernon. Shull says the current weather conditions are bringing smoke to the Kootenays that is likely to stay a while.

“Right now, the weather pattern has switched to a westerly flow,” said Shull. “So all of that smoke has headed into your area. And, unfortunately, going into the weekend we’re going to continue to see that westerly push Saturday into Sunday. It looks like there could be some instability as well, so there’s kind of an upper level trough moving in, which means more potential for atmospheric mixing. So there might be a slight reprieve periodically. But we’re still predominantly getting that westerly flow into your region, bringing that smoke in to you guys.”

Due to fires in the state of Washington to the south, even if the weather pattern changes, it is unlikely to offer much relief.

“Obviously, there’s fires kind of surrounding you guys, which is a problem because then, even if the flow switches to southerly flow, well, then you’re going to start bringing up the smoke from south of the border as well,” says Shull. 

“With the upper level instability going through the region, it looks like there could be a few light showers kind of to the west of you guys, north and west of you guys. But then also just a reminder that, especially Saturday at the moment, we’re also looking at the potential for more thunderstorms, which could trigger more fires. So, it’s not the best news.”

Shull notes that it is important to heed the guidelines with air quality advisories. These include postponing or reducing strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended and spending time indoors in a space with cleaner air. 

“If you’re going to plan any highly exertive activities, you know, try to aim for the treadmill or postpone your training… until the next week, until this heavy, heavy smoke lifts. And maybe checking in [on] vulnerable family and friends who might be impacted by poor air quality.”

Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke. This includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness. If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your physician, walk-in clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.