Heavy smoke expected across B.C. as wildfire season rages on

British Columbia wildfire officials say late-season heat waves and heavy smoke are signalling a longer and more challenging wildfire season extending into the fall.

Many parts of B.C. have seen record-breaking high temperatures and little rain over the past two weeks. Heat warnings are place this week for B.C.’s inland north and central coasts, the Fraser Canyon, North and South Thompson, and Boundary regions. Daytime highs are expected to climb into the mid-30s in some parts of the province. 

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said more than 6,000 lightning strikes across the province in the last week have also led to increased fire starts. 

Cliff Chapman, Director of Wildfire Operations said landscapes are unusually fire-prone for this time of year, due to the hot, dry conditions.

“September is when we start to see the burning period shrink, our fuels are less receptive to new starts…This September we’re seeing kind of the opposite of that,” he said. 

Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said at a wildfire update Wednesday afternoon there were 155 wildfires burning in the province, including 58 classified as out of control.

Special air quality statements have also been expanded across much of the province, from Metro Vancouver, all the way to the northeast corner of B.C. Environment Canada said the warning is expected to last over the next couple days, unless there is a change in weather. 

Parmar said the smoke is expected to travel southward from wildfires in northern B.C., Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

“There are already reports of smoke hitting communities. We do expect more smoke to arrive in the central and southern Interior tonight or tomorrow, and reach Abbotsford and the coast by Friday,” said Parmar. 

Sarah Henderson, scientific director of Environmental Health Services at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, said increased smoke in the air can raise temperatures and worsen health issues.

“We have gases and fine particles that are interacting with the lungs and causing irritation and inflammation that can affect the lungs and the entire body,” said Henderson.

She said for most people, symptoms like a sore throat and eye irritation will go away when the smoke clears. But she said scientists are learning that wildfire smoke exposure has long-lasting impacts that are like a “fingerprint” on our bodies.

Exposure is much more risky for people with pre-existing health conditions, like asthma and COPD. 

Henderson said B.C. residents can monitor air quality and smoke in their area using the online AQ Map tool, which provides information on the amount of particulates in the air. 

She recommends avoiding vigorous outdoor activities when there is a lot of smoke in the air, keeping windows closed and using a quality air filter at home.

WorkSafe B.C. is also reminding employers to protect workers from wildfire smoke in the coming days. It said that could include reducing physically demanding tasks or rescheduling work to avoid peak smoke conditions.

“Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to both short- and long-term health impacts,” said a statement from Todd McDonald, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “Employers need to assess the risks associated with wildfire activity, implement effective controls, and involve workers every step of the way.”