Nearly 200 active wildfires are burning across British Columbia, shrouding sections of the province in smoke and bringing about poor air quality conditions to numerous communities..Environment Canada’s air quality index shows Cranbrook, Castlegar, the eastern Fraser Valley, Whistler, and Squamish as having the highest levels of risk due to smoke..While those living in Vancouver are told to avoid exposure, the city is no longer sitting atop IQAir's global list of cities with the worst air quality. On Sunday Vancouver was listed as having the worst air of any city in the world, followed by Dubai..There were also 49 fires burning in Alberta Monday morning, however Environment Canada credits BC wildfires for most of the smoke making its way to Calgary, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility..“Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk,” reads a statement from Environment Canada..As a result of forthcoming sun and warm temperatures this week, the BC Wildfire Service anticipates increased fire behaviour, and Environment Canada says it expects air quality to improve in some areas and worsen in others..Of BC’s 193 currently burning wildfires, 66 are in the southeast of the province, 42 are coastal, 35 in the Prince George area, 31 around Kamloops, 12 in the northwest, and seven in the Cariboo area..Most of the fires are believed to have been ignited by lightning and 12.4% by humans..Fires near Hope have forced evacuation orders and alerts, as well as an eastbound closure of Hwy. 1..A more than 7,500-hectare wildfire is also burning in Washington State, as well as others in Oregon, both of which has been blowing smoke into BC.....more to come
