A smoky skies bulletin remains in effect for all areas of Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands due to wildfire smoke.
According to Environment Canada, the current weather pattern over the B.C. coast is causing outflow winds to carry smoke from wildfires burning in the Interior towards the coast.
People may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease are especially at risk.
“If you have underlying respiratory conditions and you tend to go out running a few times a week then maybe put off the run for a few days until the smoky conditions have improved so that your lungs aren’t going to be impacted by this as much,” said medical health officer Dr. Murray Fyfe.
Environment Canada expects the smoke to hang around the island into Monday and says the bulletin will remain in effect until further notice.
