<p>Thick smog from wildfires burning in British Columbia engulfed the Okanagan region on August 19.</p><p>On Sunday</a>, the air quality index in Okanagan, Castlegar, Kamloops, Prince George, Whistler and Williams Lake was upgraded to a “very high” health risk. Environment Canada</a> said air quality improvements were not expected until there was a “significant change” in the weather patterns.</p><p>Two major wildfires have been burning in British Columbia: the 6,996-hectare Meachen Creek Fire, which prompted an evacuation alert for thousands of residents; and the massive Shovel Lake wildfire, which has engulfed 84,793 hectares</a>. Credit: Instagram/1esson via Storyful</p><br />
