Update: The special air quality statement was still in effect Sunday for much of Vancouver Island, but in the evening, air monitoring stations for Nanaimo and southern Vancouver Island show that many of the air quality health index values are dipping to low risk from moderate. Smoke emanating from wildfires in Strathcona Provincial Park is expected to be the largest contributor to air pollution near Courtenay on Sunday night.
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A special air quality statement due to incoming wildfire smoke is in effect for much of Vancouver Island.
The statement was posted by Environment Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy on Saturday. It is in effect for all parts of Vancouver Island, with the exception of the north, and the southern Gulf Islands.
Air quality in the region will likely decrease in the next two days as winds are expected to shift wildfire smoke from the rest of the province into the area, the bulletin said. “Expect smoke conditions to also change rapidly,” it said.
Premier David Eby declared a state of emergency on Friday due to the intensifying wildfire situation.
Butchart Gardens said it would not run its Saturday night fireworks show due to the province-wide state of emergency, though the attraction would continue to remain open until 11 p.m. The annual summer fireworks display resumed this July after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Environment Canada said that wildfire smoke can be harmful, even at low concentrations, and advised people to limit their exposure.
Health effects from wildfire smoke range from a sore throat, itchy eyes, runny nose to a mild cough, wheezy breathing, and headaches, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
Anyone experiencing more severe symptoms — such as shortness of breath, severe cough, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations — is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
Populations more vulnerable to smoke include older adults, children, those who are pregnant and people working outdoors.
People with chronic health conditions, such as lung and heart diseases, are advised to be cautious and to maintain an easily accessible supply of necessary medications during wildfire season.
Kimberly Kelly, information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre, said Saturday that the wildfire situation on Vancouver Island remains relatively unchanged.
Two of the five known lightning-caused wildfires in a remote part of Strathcona Provincial Park west of Buttle Lake merged overnight and were producing a smoke column visible from Campbell River, Courtenay, Comox and Gold River.
The Strathcona fires are being monitored by the B.C. Wildfire Service and B.C. Parks but will be left to burn unless they threaten life or property, Kelly said, adding that the process may take weeks given the weather forecast and ongoing drought.
“Naturally caused wildfires being allowed to burn actually assists the health of our forest ecosystem,” she said.
“It’s important for the regeneration of the forest.”
Other fires in the region, including one discovered on Quadra Island on Thursday, continue to be held, she said.
