BC Offers Free N95 Masks to Protect Residents from Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires continue to pose a threat in British Columbia, particularly in the B.C. Interior. The BC Wildfire Service reports over 120 active fires, with nearly 40% classified as out of control. As wildfire smoke persists, the province is offering free N95 masks to protect residents from its harmful effects. Erin Trainer, deputy mayor and councillor in Summerland, returned to her home in Trout Creek on Saturday morning and found most of the town still under evacuation due to an active fire. The wildfire service notes that wildfire smoke could help moderate fire behavior by reducing radiant heat reaching the landscape. Many residents have been allowed to return to their homes near Summerland and West Kelowna after evacuation orders were downgraded in recent days.