Wildfire smoke affecting air quality across B.C.
Posted September 11, 2022 1:06 pm.
Last Updated September 11, 2022 1:15 pm.
Wildfire smoke coming from a handful of vigorous fires burning here and in the U.S. has sent the air quality in Vancouver into ‘unhealthy’ territory, according to the World Air Quality Index.
As of late Sunday morning, Vancouver was ranked as having the worst air quality and pollution in the world.
Vancouver B.C. has the worst air quality in the world right now, according to the World Air Quality Index.@CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/ikyTIrrYbn
— Robyn Crawford (@robyncrawford_) September 11, 2022
As heavy smoke spreads and settles throughout the province, an air quality advisory remains in effect for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley due to high quantities of fine particulate matter.
“Today and tomorrow, additional smoke is expected to arrive from the south (the U.S.), further degrading air quality,” Environment Canada has warned.
BC Wildfire Service says the Flood Falls Trail fire burning southwest of Hope has grown to over 450 hectares in size as of Sunday morning and is considered out of control.
“A lot of people in the Lower Mainland are noticing smoke in particular from the Flood Falls Trail wildfire,” explained Fire Information Officer, Sam Bellion.
There are currently five wildfires of note burning across the province.
A fire in Vancouver at a wood recycling facility on the Fraser River is also producing heavy smoke and contributing to poor air quality.
Hastings racecourse cancelled its Sunday schedule for the safety of both the horses and the spectators.
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New wildfire burning near Highway 1, southwest of Hope
The Heather Lake fire in Manning Park east of Hope is also out of control and has grown to over 8,500 hectares. This fire is in B.C. and Washington.
People with preexisting conditions, pregnant women and newborns, the elderly, and those who work outdoors should be particularly wary of exposure to small particulate matter. People who are currently unhoused may also be at a higher risk.
