The smoky skies over Vancouver Island are expected to get worse this Sunday.
A special air quality statement has been extended as more wildfire smoke is moving in.
The skies over Greater Victoria have been veiled in a thick shroud of smoke as wildfires continue to ravage parts of BC and the US.
Environment Canada initially issued warnings on Friday and Saturday, and these alerts have been extended due to the ongoing severity of the situation.
Residents of these regions are bracing for potentially hazardous air quality conditions as the smoke persists.
Environment Canada’s warning encompasses a broad area, encompassing most parts of Vancouver Island except for the northern region, along with the southern Gulf Islands.
Winds are anticipated to change direction several times over the next 24 hours, resulting in rapidly shifting smoke conditions across the province. In response to these shifts, residents are advised to stay informed about the air quality in their area and take appropriate precautions to protect their health.
In light of the deteriorating wildfire situation, Premier David Eby declared a state of emergency on Friday.
As the smoke from the ongoing fires spreads into the region, air quality is likely to worsen in the coming days. Health authorities, including Environment Canada and the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, have cautioned that even low concentrations of wildfire smoke can have adverse health effects.
Common health effects of exposure to wildfire smoke include symptoms such as sore throat, itchy eyes, runny nose, and mild coughing.
More severe effects, such as shortness of breath, severe cough, dizziness, chest pain, or heart palpitations, require immediate medical attention. Particularly vulnerable populations, including older adults, children, pregnant individuals, and outdoor workers, are advised to take extra precautions to minimize their exposure to the smoke.
According to the smoke forecast, the affected areas suggests that the smoke levels will rise significantly throughout the day and into the following day.
Residents are urged to stay indoors when possible, keep windows and doors closed, and utilize air purifiers if available. Additionally, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities is recommended, especially for those who may be more susceptible to the effects of the smoke.
While there was a concern for an increase of wildfires on Vancouver Island this weekend, the remains relatively unchanged.
Two out of the five identified lightning-induced wildfires situated in a secluded area of Strathcona Provincial Park, to the west of Buttle Lake, merged together overnight, generating a substantial smoke column that became visible from various locations including Campbell River, Courtenay, Comox, and Gold River.
The BC Wildfire Service and BC Parks are actively overseeing the progression of the Strathcona fires. However, they are adopting a strategy of allowing the fires to naturally run their course unless there’s a direct threat to life or property. This approach could extend those fires over several weeks, factoring in the prevailing weather predictions and the ongoing drought conditions.
