Environment Canada has issued a special air quality warning due to the smoke coming from the wildfire in Sooke Potholes Regional Park.
The blaze, which has grown to 50 hectares in size, is believed to be human caused and was discovered at around 2:47 p.m. on Monday, July 22nd and has been growing ever since.
For up to date on this wildfire, click here.
Environment Canada warns that Victoria and many other regions of BC are currently being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours.
“The fine particles in wildfire smoke pose the main health risk. As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” reads Environment Canada’s air quality statement.
The most likely to be impacted by the smoky air are seniors, pregnant people, people who smoke, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition.
The national weather authority says that those who are more likely to be impacted should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors.
“Listen to your body and if you experience symptoms, consider reducing or stopping strenuous outdoor activities,” says Environment Canada.
“Symptoms can include milder and more common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as serious but less common symptoms such as chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.”
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Environment Canada also suggests remaining indoors as much as possible and keeping windows and doors closed if inside.
If outside, one way the national weather authority suggests mitigating impacts from smoky air is wearing a well fitted mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent.
Additionally, it is a good idea to check in on others who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.
As of this publication, Victoria’s air quality index rating is 17. Air quality begins to become problematic for those most vulnerable once a score of 50 is reached.
According to PurpleAir, Victoria’s testing stations are predicting a rating of 50 which will be prevalent by around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23rd.
