Smoky skies bulletin expanded across Vancouver Island
Posted: Aug. 4, 2017 4:12PM | Last Updated: Aug. 4, 2017 4:13PM
Hazy skies off the shoreline near Victoria on Aug. 4.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Island Health have expanded the smoky skies bulletin issued on Tuesday due to wildfire smoke from the Interior.
The affected areas now include east Vancouver Island, inland Vancouver Island, west Vancouver Island, north Vancouver Island, the Southern Gulf Islands and Greater Victoria. When the smoky skies bulletin was issued on Tuesday, only Greater Victoria, the Southern Gulf Islands and east Vancouver island were included.
READ MORE: Smoky skies bulletin issued for parts of Vancouver Island, Southern Gulf Islands
The ministry said the bulletin was amended due to the changing smoke conditions. Outflow winds from the Interior continue to carry smoke from active wildfires in the area toward the coast and smoke conditions will vary widely as temperatures, winds and fire behaviour change.
Infants, the elderly and people who have underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease are asked to avoid strenuous activities and prolonged exposure to smoke. Anyone who is experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort and a sudden onset cough or irritation of airways should contact their health care providers.
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