Washington Wildfires Create Air Quality Issues for B.C.
Smoke from the largest wildfires in Washington’s history is drifting north and blanketing much of southern British Columbia in a thick haze. The B.C. Wildfire Service issued a statement reporting that the severity of the smoke is causing air quality issues and poor visibility in many areas.
An Environment Canada advisory was issued for several southern areas of B.C, reporting that there are high levels of fine particulate content in the air and warning people against rigorous outdoor activity.
The air quality index for Central and Southern Okanagan has topped out the 1 to 10 scale, coming in at 14 over the weekend. Grand Forks, located only kilometers from the Kettle Complex wildfires, is struggling with air quality that is five times worse than an average day in Beijing, a city well-known for its polluted air.
The fire has already destroyed 300 homes in Washington and concern has grown about the fire crossing the border into Canada. Loss of life and property damage is a serious risk with wildfires and government assistance can only cover so much.
Fire information officer Fanny Bernard stated that while the fire was still burning out of control, it does not look like it will be spreading north anytime soon. “It’s holding steady away from the border,” she said. “There’s no significant growth towards the north.”
B.C. fire crews joined the Washington wildfire fight on Sunday, contributing 33 fire personnel, three officers, and two pieces of heavy machinery. It was reported that the Canadian crews will be fighting the northeastern branch of the 192 square kilometer fire.
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