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(UPDATE: Aug. 15 @ 10:10 am) - After 10 days, the special air quality statement that was issued for the South Okanagan has been rescinded.
"Smoke is no longer expected or has moved out of the area," says a release from Environment Canada.
It was originally issued because of smoke from the Eagle Bluff wildfire, which has been held in check over the last few days.
(Original story: Aug. 5 @ 12:20 pm) - Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement in response to the smoky haze drifting up from the south Okanagan.
The statement includes Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Keremeos, Oliver and Osoyoos.
Each community is expected to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours.
The smoke is a result of the Eagle Bluff wildfire burning between Penticton and Oliver near Gallagher Lake.
According to BC Wildfire Service, the blaze is currently estimated at 120 hectares but that number is expected to jump once officials get a better reading on the fire's size.
There are currently 100 wildfire personnel deployed the fight the fire, including six helicopters that have been seen executing water dumps.
People with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, pregnant women and infants, children, and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.
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