B.C. ‘Smoky Skies Bulletin’ ends amid wildfires

Just a day after smoky skies triggered air quality statements for parts of B.C., Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has ended its bulletin for the province.

Late Sunday into Monday, the agency said many regions, particularly in the southern Interior, were being affected by wildfire smoke.

At the time, ECCC said conditions were expected to continue for the next couple of days.

However, around 11:30 a.m. Monday, the bulletin ended, with ECCC saying “elevated pollution levels are no longer expected or have moved out of the area.”

“Wildfire smoke concentrations have reduced over the past 24 hours,” the agency added.

Related articles: 

• Smoke from U.S. wildfires blowing into B.C.

• B.C. Wildfire Service warns of out-of-control fires, evacuation orders issued

Wildfires in B.C. had been contributing to poorer air quality in some parts, though some fires in Washington state and Idaho were also playing a part.

The special weather statements were in effect for the Okanagan Valley, Kootenay, Shuswap, and Similkameen regions, among others.

Abnormally strong winds have been contributing to rapid fire growth which is expected to continue through the night, and into Monday. These high winds can contribute to extreme fire behaviour (Ranks 5 and 6) and rapid spread. pic.twitter.com/vRoVSKSiTo

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 5, 2022

Wildfire smoke has also created air quality issues and reduced visibility in parts of neighbouring Alberta.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, there are more than 150 active wildfires in the province. In Alberta, there are more than 40.