While there has been bits of relief at times over the past few days, wildfire smoke continues to be a part of our daily lives in the BC Interior right now.
Of course, wildfire smoke exposure can affect both short-term and long-term health, and people can’t always stay inside to avoid the poor outdoor air quality.
As a result, the Canadian Red Cross has stepped up to offer free N95 respirator masks across many BC Interior communities.
“N95 respirators masks are effective at reducing exposure to particulate pollution, such as wildfire smoke and smog, as well as respiratory illnesses,” explains a release from the Government of BC.
Here’s a list of locations where N95 masks are available free of charge:
Community Futures Sun Country
- Address: 203 Railway Ave., Ashcroft
- Hours: 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
Kamloops Downtown Business Improvement Area Association
- Address: 202-246 Second Ave., Kamloops
- Hours: 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
Kamloops North Shore BIA
- Address: 115 Tranquille Rd., Kamloops
- Hours: 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday.
The Salvation Army
- Address: 344 Poplar St. N, Kamloops
- Hours: 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Thursday. Ask staff for masks.
University of British Columbia – Okanagan campus
- Address: 3287 University Way, Kelowna
- Masks are available at the Campus Security Dispatch Office.
Lake Country Health Planning Society
- Address: 10080 Main St. N, Lake Country
- Hours: 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.
Nicola Valley Community Justice Services Society
- Address: 1999 Garcia St., Merritt
- Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.
District of Peachland
- Address: 4450 6th St., Peachland
- Hours: 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.
Cariboo Friendship Society
- Address: 99 3rd Avenue S, Williams Lake
- Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk.
Neskonlith Indian Band
- Address: 705 Chief Neskonlith Dr., Chase