Smoky skies return to Vancouver Island

Smoky skies over the Comox Valley on Sept. 5, 2018.

Smoke from more than 400 wildfires across the province has once again led to hazy skies on Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands.

On Thursday afternoon, a smoky skies bulletin was issued for all areas of Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, due to the wildfire smoke particularly from the central and northern Interior.

Environment Canada said an increasing southerly flow will spread smoke from the wildfires south of the border. A wetter, cooler and breezier weather pattern at the end of the week is expected to improve air quality across the province.

Southeast B.C., the Interior, North Coast-Inland, Fraser Canyon, Sea-to-Sky and Sunshine Coast are also under the bulletin. Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley are under an air quality advisory.

Environment Canada recommends staying inside if you have breathing difficulties and finding an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air could help but if your home isn’t air-conditioned, a library, shopping mall or recreation centre may be an option.

There are 481 wildfires still active in the province, down from 550 blazes at the heigh of the season.

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