Mt. Benson was all but blocked out completely by smoke Thursday morning, from a nearby wildfire. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

smoky skies

Nanaimo, Oceanside & Port Alberni air quality among worst in Canada

Aug 14, 2025 | 6:21 AM

NANAIMO — Smoke from a pair of Island-based wildfires has seen local air quality plunge.

Despite light smoke and air particulate lingering in recent days, indices measuring pollution spiked overnight into Thursday, Aug. 14, with the provincial air quality monitoring service registering Nanaimo at a six, or moderate risk, on an 11-step scale.

The province suggests those with respiratory challenges “consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms,” while others should only modify if they start coughing or have a sore throat.

Volumes of particulate matter (PM 2.5) as of early Thursday morning was more than four times the average for the past 24 hours in Nanaimo, resulting in the worst air quality measured in B.C.

A station in Port Alberni also showed a spike in particulate.

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Ash was reported falling from the sky in parts of Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Wednesday evening.

Smoke from a pair of wildfires burning on the central Island descended into the Nanaimo and Oceanside regions over night into Thursday, Aug.14, resulting in challenging air quality and travel conditions. (submitted photo)

A separate, citizen-run, global air quality monitoring service listed Nanaimo at 151 on their pollution scale, again the highest in B.C. and among the most polluted areas in Canada Thursday morning.

Readings were comparable to parts of the Middle East, eastern India, Indonesia and northeastern China.

Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement on Thursday, affecting residents in Parksville and Qualicum Beach, but not Nanaimo.

“The heaviest impacts on the Sunshine Coast will be on Texada Island and Powell River, with a lesser impact inland. The smoke may also be visible in areas surrounding the regions issued under the warning areas.”

As a result of the air quality, Canada Post has issued service alerts for parts of Vancouver Island.

A red service alert means delivery has stopped for Nanoose Bay, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, while customers in Lantzville, Nanaimo and Port Alberni may experience delays in their delivery or pickups, as they’re currently under a yellow service alert.

Officials with the Parksville Beach Festival temporarily closed down the sand sculpting exhibit for Thursday, Aug. 14 due to the heavy smoke.

“We will monitor the situation and should things improve we will open,” stated a bulletin on the festival’s website.

Air quality conditions are expected to clear Thursday night and Friday, Aug. 15 as rain moves into the region.

The precipitation is not expected to significantly impact fire activity at the Mount Underwood site south of Port Alberni, or fire dangers in the region.

Smoke looked much like cloud at sea level Thursday morning, including at Neck Point in north Nanaimo. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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