Wildfire smoke to cloud Vancouver Island
Digital Reporter
Sunday, August 24, 2014, 5:09 PM -
Authorities say winds are blowing smoke from large B.C. wildfires in the interior towards the mainland's central coast and northern Vancouver Island.
The Ministry of Forests says fumes are expected to cloud the sky for a few days after the Wildfire Management Branch received word of heavy smoke from callers on Friday.
RELATED: Wildfires force officials to issue smoke advisory for the Prince George area
"@elaineanselmi: I've never seen the smoke get this bad here #ydq #bcfires pic.twitter.com/Kjdfs50PKE" agree - it is super hazy
— Judy Kucharuk (@judylaine) August 15, 2014
Officials say smoke may dissipate over, but will reform during the day.
PHOTO: This photo of the Chelaslie River fire was taken on Aug.
17 from a birddog plane.
The fire is now 113,876 ha.
pic.twitter.com/20OL85Kj8p
— BCGovFireInfo (@BCGovFireInfo) August 20, 2014
The ministry says smoke is drifting past the Pemberton and Bella Coola Valleys into coastal inlets and rivers.
During this time, Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Authorities are urging people to contact their local healthcare providers if they are concerned the smoke could affect their health.
PHOTO: Crews conducting a burnoff last night on the China Nose #BCWildfire pic.twitter.com/wPPkxVm2io
— BCGovFireInfo (@BCGovFireInfo) August 18, 2014
About 90 firefighters from Alberta and Ontario are expected to arrive in B.C. this weekend to help battle the 162 wildfires burning in the province.
BELOW: Haunting photos of N.W.T wildfires
With files from The Canadian Press
