The upcoming forecast shows wildfire smoke will again blanket Metro Vancouver over the next couple of days.
Many large fires are currently burning across BC, Washington State, and even on Vancouver Island. The Old Man Lake fire buring in the Sooke Potholes Regional Park remains out of control.
According to firesmoke.ca, the wildfire smoke that first moved into the area Friday afternoon will intensify even further as we head into Saturday.
IQAir’s forecast shows Vancouver’s air quality will be considered moderate on Saturday before it’s expected to improve Sunday. As of Friday afternoon, there are over 400 wildfires burning across the province and while the cooler weather has helped, crews continue to face challenges.
In neighbouring Alberta, a growing wildfire reached the town of Jasper Wednesday, burning down several structures and forcing first responders to evacuate. In an update today, Jasper National Park said that out of a total of 1113 structures within the town, 358 have been destroyed.
“All critical infrastructure in Jasper was successfully protected including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.”
All critical infrastructure in Jasper was successfully protected including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.
— Jasper National Park, Parks Canada (@JasperNP) July 26, 2024
The town remains closed and may take several weeks before residents can return.
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- Police investigating attempted arson in Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood