While a campfire smell lingers in the air on the south Island, local smoke is in the forecast pushing the normal low-risk air quality to a high-risk category.
Environment Canada predicts local smoke on Friday (July 26) and Saturday with the online smoke prediction map showing the same for all of Vancouver Island.
In Greater Victoria, smoke will become heavier through Friday with a peak overnight.
When smoke is heavy, Environment Canada advises the public to limit time spent outdoors, as smoke can negatively impact human health. Seniors, pregnant people, young children, infants, people who work outdoors and people involved in strenuous activity are the most likely to be impacted. Well-fitted respiratory masks can help reduce exposure to smoke when spending time outdoors.
To keep indoor air clean, Environment Canada suggests keeping windows and doors shut.
As smoke from across the province makes its way to Vancouver Island, a wildfire north of Sooke remains at 169 hectares in size, adding to the air quality concerns.
Discovered July 22, Old Man Lake fire is burning west of Sooke River and east of the Malahat Drive portion of Highway 1.
Still listed as out of control, BC Wildfire has tasked five initial attack crews along with a 10-person CRD Parks fire crew, air support and Boaters on Shawnigan Lake are reminded to watch for aircraft scooping water. All boaters are required to dock immediately if aircraft are operating on the lake as any obstruction to approach, filling and departures will cause the mission to be aborted.
While BC Wildfire Service has not issued any evacuation alerts or closures, the Capital Regional District has closed Sooke Potholes Regional Park, the Galloping Goose Regional Trail in that area and Sea to Sea Regional Park.
The District of Sooke also advised, as a cautionary measure, that residents prepare a grab-and-go bag with essential items for households, including pets, should the situation change. Find the smoke prediction map online at firesmoke.ca.
