Along with the current heatwave, the wildfire smoke currently blanketing the Greater Victoria area is expected to stick around this weekend.
The smoke haze is expected to last over the weekend with the worst expected to occur on Friday, August 13th.
As of Thursday morning, Vancouver Island’s air quality index remains low, at two, and no air quality warnings have been issued.
The majority of the wildfire smoke is coming from both Interior British Columbia and Washington State, as well as smoke from the 32 hectare fire currently being held near Duncan.
See more: BC Wildfire Service deems fire near Duncan as ‘being held’
With a heatwave set to begin today on Vancouver Island, the province is taking proactive steps to make sure residents will be provided for if heat-related or smoke-related illnesses occur.
The province is increasing acute care staff and taking additional measures to keep people cool and safe in hospital.
As of Tuesday, August 10th, 260 wildfires are burning in BC, with 60 evacuation orders affecting approximately 5,392 properties.
Most wildfires are occurring in the Interior, North, and Vancouver Coastal areas of BC; Vancouver Island has yet to experience any serious wildfires this year.
