—Update: Sept. 4, 5 p.m.—
The smoke from the many wildfires burning in B.C. is forecast to get worse in Squamish before it gets better.
The Environment Canada special air quality advisory continues Thursday and is set to be in effect into the weekend.
The air quality is currently rated as five out of the Air Quality Health Index 10-plus scale. This means the smoke is currently a moderate risk.
The at risk population is asked to "consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms."
People with heart and lung conditions are most affected by wildfire smoke, the statement reads.
For the general population, Environment Canada says there is "no need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation."
However, the air is set to get worse tonight, hitting nine, meaning high risk. Friday the quality will tip into 10 during the day and night.
It looks to head down to nine again on Saturday, but that is still high risk.
Looking at the air quality data taken at Squamish Elementary shows the same increasingly poor air quality, but with more detail. The Real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map shows the PM2.5 at 119, which, again, means the air is unhealthy for sensitive adults.
"For those who may be irritated by the smoky skies here today, please reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation, and stay inside if you have breathing difficulties," reads a District release. "Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, air-conditioned public facilities are available to support Squamish residents during regular operating hours," the District adds.
"People with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, infants, children and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure. Avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion."
See where the wildfire smoke is coming from on the BC Wildfire Service map. Click on "Smoke Forecast" along the top of the map.
—Original story: Sept. 3—
Squamish residents can expect the horizon to be smoky in the Sea to Sky over the next two days due to ongoing wildfires in the province.
“Smoky haze will be present across the majority of the B.C. landscape and can be highly variable,” reads the Emergency Info BC alert.
During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly and can vary hour by hour.
Squamish and Whistler will be impacted in the short term.
You can monitor the situation for wildfires in your area at EmergencyInfoBC.
The next update is expected on Sept. 4.
The Squamish Chief headed out to see how the smoke was impacting locals. Here's what we heard.
