A smoke warning has been issued for Whistler and Pemberton this weekend.
The two areas “are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours” reads the Smoky Skies Bulletin.
Smoke is also visible and can be smelled in Squamish.
The bulletin issued by the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy warns smoke may be visible in many regions of the province including Squamish and as far as Vancouver Island.
The announcement on Saturday morning encourages people to be mindful of their health in the smoky conditions.
“During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour,” reads the bulletin.
“Wildfire smoke is a natural part of our environment but it is important to be mindful that exposure to smoke may affect your health. People with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections such as COVID-19, older adults, pregnant women and infants, children, and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.”
Three fires continue to burn out of control near Pemberton with one of them growing to 700 hectares.
BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) last mapped the Birkenhead Lake wildfire at 706 hectares on Aug. 16 at 3:22 p.m.
Another wildfire burning nearby is the Upper Elaho River wildfire, currently mapped at 394 hectares.
During smoky conditions, the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy encourages people to:
Follow your common sense
• Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you feel unwell.
• Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
• If you have asthma or other chronic illness, carry any rescue (fast-acting) medications with you at all times and activate your personal care plan that has been designed with your family physician.
• Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves follow the same advice.
Monitor your symptoms
• People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.
• If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.
• If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your health care provider, walk-in clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Tips to reduce your smoke exposure
• Smoke levels may be lower indoors but will still be elevated, so stay aware of your symptoms even when you are indoors.
• Running a commercially available HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter can improve indoor air quality in the room where the device is located.
• If you have a forced air heating/cooling system in your home, it may help to change the filter and set the fan to run continuously.
• Reduce indoor air pollution sources such as smoking, burning incense, and frying foods. • Consider going to a library, community center, or shopping mall with cooler filtered air to get some relief from the smoke.
• If travelling in a car with air conditioning, keep the windows up and the ventilation set to recirculate.
• If you are very sensitive to smoke, consider moving to another location with cleaner air, but be aware that conditions can change rapidly.
• Maintaining good overall health is a good way to prevent health effects resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.
The next bulletin update will be available on Aug. 18, 2024 and can be viewed on the B.C. Government website.
~ Files from Alanna Kelly/Glacier Media
