Metro Vancouver smoke expected to start clearing Thursday: BC Wildfire

The hazy and smokey skies seen throughout Metro Vancouver will start to clear up beginning Thursday, according to the BC Wildfire Service.

In a series of tweets posted on Monday, the service said the Coastal Fire Centre has been experiencing “historical forest fuel conditions and outflow wind patterns”, which it says is increasing “fire behaviour,” allowing smoke to take hold of the local skies.

The Coastal Fire Centre is experiencing historical forest fuel conditions and outflow wind patterns. The unseasonably hot, dry conditions, lack of rainfall and outflow winds have resulted in increased fire behaviour on all active fires.

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) October 17, 2022

Smoke from active fires in the Fraser Zone, combined with smoke from fires burning in Washington State is also to blame.

BC Wildfire says the current weather patterns are expected to affect the coastal region through Wednesday.

“Smoke concentrations and air quality are expected to begin improving on Thursday as inflow winds deepen and fresh air from the Pacific pushes inland,” it added.

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On top of fresh air pushing up from the Pacific to help drive out the lingering smoke, B.C.’s south coast is also expecting to see its first rainfall in weeks on Friday.

But as the air quality remains poor across Metro Vancouver, an air quality advisory remains in effect for the area.

One local expert says he hasn’t seen smoke stick around this late into the year.

“Compared to previous wildfire years, this is not the highest concentration of smoke we’ve measured, but certainly this is the latest in the season we’ve experienced wildfire smoke impacts,” said Air Quality Planner, Geoff Doerksen with the Metro Vancouver Regional District.

“With a change in climate, we expect longer and dryer summers with more prolonged wildfire seasons.”

Doerksen says those most at risk from the smoke are young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health issues.

He recommends staying inside with windows closed or using a HEPA air filter if you’re at risk.

As of Monday, there have been 1,714 wildfires so far this year, according to the BC Wildfire Service dashboard.

-With files from Kareem Gouda