Smoke was clearly visible and easy to smell through many parts of the central Island Sunday morning. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

air quality issues

Smoke from mainland & U.S. fires blanketing central Island with ‘moderate risk’

Sep 11, 2022 | 6:24 AM

NANAIMO — Some early morning showers helped a little, but a thick blanket of smoke is still covering much of the central Island.

Smoke moved into the region gradually throughout Saturday, Sep. 10, coming from a number of fires from the B.C. Interior and into Washington State.

Environment Canada’s air quality index listed the Nanaimo region at a six, on their 1-10 scale when 10 is a very high risk, early Sunday morning advising of a moderate risk to people with breathing or other health challenges.

“(At risk population)…consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms,” the advisory read.

Those with no pre-existing conditions which make them more susceptible to air quality issues don’t need to make any modifications unless they start coughing or have an irritated throat.

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Forecasted maximum’s over the next 24 to 48 hours are expected to diminish.

Environment Canada is forecasting the air quality to improve to a four on the scale by Sunday afternoon then graduating to “low risk” by Monday.

The only fire within the central Island region is the currently under control Nanaimo River Rd. fire, which has remained at 0.3 hectares since it was discovered Thursday, Sep. 8.

A map of the currently burning wildfires through Washington and Oregon, contributing to smoky skies in B.C. (Northwest Interagency Control Centre)

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