Showers likely for southern B.C., as wildfires cut air quality, challenge control
CTV
For the first time this year, air quality advisories are posted for part of Vancouver Island and a large section of the Lower Mainland as smoke from several wildfires wafts over the region.
For the first time this year, air quality advisories are posted for part of Vancouver Island and a large section of the Lower Mainland as smoke from several wildfires wafts over the region.
Two out-of-control wildfires east of Vancouver plus a blaze on Vancouver Island are contributing to the smudgy skies and Environment Canada says smoke concentrations will "vary widely" as wind, temperature and wildfire behaviour change.
A shift in weather could cut the smoke and the weather office says showers are likely across the lower quarter of the province on Friday, possibly bringing as much as 10 millimetres of rain to the Squamish, Sechelt, Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley regions before weekend sun and heat return.
No showers are due in parts of parched northeastern B.C. until at least next week and the forecast shows temperatures should remain well above average through the weekend, meaning no respite from smoky conditions or aid for crews battling several large wildfires.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says a blaze that was only spotted Tuesday south of Dawson Creek now covers 96 square kilometres near the Alberta boundary, forcing the Peace River Regional District to expand an evacuation order late Wednesday.
The wildfire centre reports more than 80 active fires across B.C., including one on Vancouver Island east of Port Alberni that has grown to nearly 1.5-square kilometres, closing Highway 4, the key route leading to that city and the west coast of the Island.
A statement from Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions was issued Wednesday, noting a four-hour back-road detour has been opened for essential travel and urging residents and travellers unable to use the rough route to remain patient and calm.
