Following a weekend of hazy skies throughout much of British Columbia, there is hope for clearer conditions on Monday. The BC Wildfire Service predicts that the smoke will be more localized near active fire sites.
According to the latest provincial report, Monday may bring slightly cooler and unsettled weather to the central and southern Interior regions, with the possibility of local downpours.
In central B.C.’s Chilcotin region, evacuation orders and alerts remain in effect due to several uncontrolled fires.
Over the weekend, the Cariboo Regional District issued evacuation orders for 85 parcels and 42 structures in the Smokey Lake fire area, adding to the hundreds of properties already evacuated since Friday.
Additionally, air quality statements are in effect across most of the province, cautioning residents about the health risks associated with increased smoke levels.
On Sunday, the Metro Vancouver region lifted its air quality warning that had been in place since Wednesday, attributing the improvement to southerly winds bringing cleaner air into the area.
Meanwhile, heavy smoke prompted a travel advisory for sections of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt, a critical route to and from B.C.’s Lower Mainland.
The highway faced disruptions recently, as a semi-truck fire forced a closure on Friday, shortly after reopening following a two-day shutdown caused by a wind-driven wildfire.
Currently, the BC Wildfire Service is monitoring 140 active wildfires in the province, with 50 classified as out of control.