The department says staying either inside or in air-conditioned spaces can reduce exposure to air particulates.
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“People with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, with diabetes, pregnant women, the very young, the very old… those are the people we’re most concerned with”, said UBC School of Population and Public Health Professor Michael Brauer.
This advisory is expected to continue until there is a change in the current weather.
Smoke from wildfires in the interior of British Columbia blanket downtown Vancouver, B.C. Sunday, July 5 2015. Others report burning eyes and sore throats. They say there is no increased danger from that blaze, which has been burning for several weeks.
Mitchell Fire Marshal Marius Laursen said the haze is heavy enough to cause some irritation for people who have a sensitivity to smoke, asthma or outdoor allergies.
Thomson said the province won’t be calling in the military just yet, but that B.C.is looking to the rest of the country and the forestry industry for more help in battling the fires.
“This type of fire behavior consumes timber completely through to the tree tops, and has a high potential of spotting ahead of the fire”, she said. (Photo Credit: BC Forest Fire Info.).
Fires have forced evacuations to about 100 homes in Port Hardy on northeastern Vancouver Island, 28 homes east of Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley and a hydro project in Pemberton, 35 km. north of Whistler.
An air quality advisory was issued Sunday afternoon and will likely extend to the Fraser Valley today as wind carries fine particulates eastward.
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While conditions vary, air quality worsened overnight, and is now sitting at an eight out of 10, according to Roger Quan, director of air quality and environment for Metro Vancouver. By nighttime, the highest number for the city will be six, which constitutes a moderate risk.
