PHOTOS: BC before and after the wildfire smokescreen

It's no secret that BC is under siege from a seemingly infinite coat of smog, but do you remember what the sky looks like?

Some British Columbians have contrasted the beautiful summer (as well as winter) views of the province in nostalgic pursuit of the traditional views they remember.

Here is a compilation reflecting the age-old saying, "You don't know what you've got until it's gone."

Awesome smoke view from today compared to a normal day. #puke #bcwildfires #kamloops #view #smoke

A post shared by Kurt (@nuckscelts) on Aug 17, 2018 at 4:42pm PDT

Thanks, Kurt, for our thumbnail!

Winter 😨 vs. Summer 😷 in Merritt #bcwildfires

A post shared by Yen Catenza (@gyuen28) on Aug 17, 2018 at 7:55pm PDT

Just a comparison of this evenings smokey skies in Lake Country compared to a normal smoke free evening.... #bcwildfires #okanaganlife #lakeokanagan

A post shared by Lesley Johannson-Maiklem (@themaiklems) on Aug 17, 2018 at 8:00pm PDT

Bye bye smoke!! In search of Sun!!#bcwildfires

A post shared by @ westbeach0 on Aug 18, 2018 at 1:53pm PDT

Today compared to May 2018 #bcwildfires #poorairquality #smoky

A post shared by Bee_tina (@bee_tina) on Aug 18, 2018 at 2:27pm PDT

BC's baked skies have also resulted in an air quality statement being issued across the province. Be careful of how you spend your time outdoors as the smoke could have adverse effects on your health.

For information on the quality of air in your area, click here.

#wildfire #bc #bcwildfires #forestfire #smoke #smokyskies

A post shared by Bunny Drop (@buny_drop) on Aug 18, 2018 at 1:52pm PDT

It’s like a scene from “The Road” right now in the Okanagan (aka Smokanagan) valley. This is a photo from my room that used to have a view. The wildfires are absolutely terrible this year. We’ve been socked in with thick smoke for over a week now and it’s really starting to wear on everyone. I drove by Kin beach yesterday around 5pm, it was 27 degrees and only one person was there. The picnic tables were empty, the playground was empty, the volleyball court was quiet. It was awful. Here we are at the end of summer and no one can be outside because you can’t breathe if you are outside. I’ve had a crazy awful headache for a week (I never get headaches). Obviously anyone with lung issues is at risk. My heart goes out to everyone who has been evacuated or lost their homes. Stay safe. #okanagan #okanaganfires #vernon #myvernon #okanaganlife #vernonbc #smokanagan #bcwildfires #wildfires

A post shared by Dr. Erin MD, CCFP, FP-ESS, DPD (@ketophysician) on Aug 18, 2018 at 8:42am PDT

Today's view compared to my normal view 😫 #smoke #coughcough #cantbreathe #kamloops #bcwildfires

A post shared by Stephanie Dilling (@snoball83) on Aug 18, 2018 at 2:35pm PDT

The view from our house. Above photo taken June 13. Below photo taken Aug 18. #bcwildfires #smoke #beforeandafter #wildfireseason2018 #hardtobreathe #beasleyforlife #kootenays

A post shared by Kendra Norwood (@kendrafaye_) on Aug 18, 2018 at 3:11pm PDT

😔 #nofilter #bcwildfires #prayforbc #britishcolumbia #shuswap #canada #summer2018

A post shared by Alexis Sparrow (@xxqueenalexis) on Aug 18, 2018 at 12:42pm PDT

Sadly our beautiful province is on fire. Praying the animals find their way to safety somehow, that the firefighters have the heart and strength to fight this, it’s overwhelming, and families find refuge in the many centres set up for evacuations.. #pleasebringrain #forestfiresmoke #smoke #bcwildfires

A post shared by kandi_jar (@kandi_jar) on Aug 18, 2018 at 8:00am PDT

😮☹ BC is on fire my back yard from 3 weeks ago to this morning #explorebccanada #explorecanada #beautifulbc #hellobc #britishcolumbia #canada #explorebc #summer2018 #bcisonfire #bcwildfires #smokeyaf #somuchsmoke #nothealthy #kelownanow #explorekowna #kelownaviews #okanagan #okanaganlife #kelownalife #kelownaviews #vernon

A post shared by Christle♡ (@christle.xo) on Aug 18, 2018 at 8:13am PDT

All I can say is holy crap. #bcwildfires #bcforestfires #smokey #southchilcotin #britishcolumbia

A post shared by Veronica Rae Krieger (@meetmeinthemud) on Aug 17, 2018 at 5:36pm PDT

The province's smoky skies are being caused by the many fires burning throughout the province, visit NowMedia's Firewatch page for all the latest on fires in the area.

Difference outside our window these days with the heavy smoke from the fires 😧👎#bcwildfires

A post shared by Kathy (@macgregorkathy) on Aug 17, 2018 at 6:19pm PDT

Another rough season for BC Wildfires. This smoke has come down the river and we've been socked in for almost 2 weeks now. I feel scared and sad for all the displaced/evacuated people. Hopeful to get some heavy rain, without lightning soon! #bc #bcwildfiresmoke #bcsmoke #bcfires #bcwildfires #kamloopsbc #nofilter #nofilterneeded #wildfire #wildfiresmoke #britishcolumbia #canada #westcoast #photographylover #kamloopsviews

A post shared by Luna Bean & Tina (@lunabeanandme) on Aug 18, 2018 at 11:13am PDT