Smoky conditions continued in Greater Victoria on Sunday, as air quality advisories were in place for most of Vancouver Island.
The latest smoky skies bulletins came into effect Sunday morning and were expected to last 24 to 48 hours as easterly winds continue to push smoke from B.C.’s Interior toward Vancouver Island.
Advisories were in place for Greater Victoria, the Southern Gulf Islands, Inland Vancouver Island, East Vancouver Island on North Vancouver Island.
Readings from air monitoring stations in Greater Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo and the Comox Valley were showing a “moderate” risk on B.C.’s Air Quality Health Index as of 1 p.m. Sunday.
A moderate risk means that most people will not need to alter usual outdoor activities unless they have symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation, though people at risk should “consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors,” according to Environment Canada, who set out the recommendations in consultation with Health Canada.
“At risk” people include those with respiratory issues such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, as well those with as heart disease. Infants, young children, pregnant people and elderly people are also considered at higher risk.
Premier David Eby declared a state of emergency on Aug. 18 due to in response to “unprecedented” fires across the province in what has been called the worst wildfire season ever to hit B.C. Widespread smoke continues to blanket much of British Columbia.
Since April, more than 1.73 million hectares of land in B.C. have been burned by fires, an area about seven times the size of the capital region.
