Fire departments around Greater Victoria responded to public concern about a dramatic increase in smoke Wednesday night. No new fires have been reported on the lower Island, instead shifting winds are being blamed for delivering more smoke from ongoing wildfires.
The heavy smoke is due to the wind shifting and there are no fires in the Westshore. Please only call 911 if you see a distinct column of smoke or see flames.
B次元官网网址 Langford Fire Rescue (@LangfordFire)
Saanich Fire Is receiving numerous calls regarding heavy smoke in the area. There are currently no active fires in Saanich and increasing winds are disturbing the smoke from the northern forest fires.
B次元官网网址 Saanich Fire (@SaanichFire)
The Government of CanadaB次元官网网址檚 Air Quality Index hit 10+ yesterday on Vancouver Island, which is classified as a very high health risk. Less than 12 hours later the air quality had fallen down to a level of 1 in Victoria as a B次元官网网址渕arine pushB次元官网网址 brought some much needed fresh Pacific Air. Environment Canada says inland locations will need a bit longer to improve.
What a change in the Air!! Much improved Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) readings this morning across the South Coast, particularly near the water where a "marine push" has brought much needed fresh Pacific Air. Inland locations will take a bit longer to improve.
B次元官网网址 ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC)
Provincial Agriculture Minister Lana Popham wrote on Twitter, B次元官网网址淭he smoke is thick in Cordova Bay. The smell is so strong I went outside and did a walkabout to survey the scene.B次元官网网址
Complaints were reported from downtown Victoria as well.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 so smokey in downtown tonight. It smells like everyone in the neighbourhood has their fireplaces going x 1000. Reports of ash raining down in places. The fires arenB次元官网网址檛 even that close. This is scary,B次元官网网址 wrote another on social media.
(All photos by Nicole Crescenzi, unless otherwise indicated)
Smoky Skies Bulletin Remains in Effect
While a big change in weather pattern is underway, a special air quality statement for Victoria and all of Vancouver Island remains in effect.
An approaching trough of low pressure is shifting winds to a westerly direction along the coast, where communities are expected to see a gradual improvement in air quality beginning today. This could bring a chance of showers, but is not expected to be enough to calm any current wildfires.
Under conditions of air quality deemed very high risk, it is advised that at-risk populations avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.
The general population is advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
keri.coles@oakbaynews.com
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