Thick Smoke From Several Wildfires Burning in B.C. Blankets Vancouver

The Vancouver metropolis and several areas along the coast are under an air quality advisory, and several residential homes are on evacuation alert as wildfire crews continue to battle wildfires in surrounding communities.

According to BC Wildfire, an 80-hectare blaze is burning two kilometres northwest of Old Sechelt Mine. The burn is now 40 per cent contained, but is burning in steep ground approximately 1.8 kilometres from Sechelt Inlet.

Smoky and hazy skies blanket the coastal regions of B.C., particularly over Vancouver. (Photo Credit: BC Forest Fire Info.)

The public has been cautioned to stay away from the wildfire, as trees have been periodically falling in the area. Sadly, a contract tree faller working in the area was killed while felling a danger tree on Sunday.

"This is a tragic reminder of the dangerous work being done by personnel across the province to respond to wildfire," reported BC Wildfire.

The fire is suspected to be human-caused and is under investigation at this time. At the moment, a total of 57 firefighters, three helicopters, and seven heavy equipment operators are on site battling the blaze.

The Sunshine Coast Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for 18 residential homes.

In addition to the fire near Old Sechelt Mine, a smaller 0.2 hectare blaze is currently burning on Mount Burnaby. The root of this fire is also suspected to be human-caused.

Photo Credit: BC Wildfire.

"The Surrey Fire Service has experienced a large volume of calls related to smoke in Surrey as a result of the wild fires burning north of Pemberton and elsewhere in the province. We have also experienced a marked increase in grass fires, bark mulch fires and fires in boulevards and along roadways, as a result of the hot dry weather and the careless disposal of smoking material. As a result we have responded to 60 of these types of calls in the last 12 hour period compared to one call of this nature in the same time period one year ago. If calling to report a fire, please ensure you can provide the location of the fire source or where the column of smoke originates. In light of the continuing weather pattern and the extremely dry conditions, we would like to remind the public to maintain their diligence in taking all precautions in the handling and disposal of cigarettes and smoking related material," said Sgt Joe Johal from the Surrey RCMP.

Meanwhile, the massive fire burning 67 kilometres west of Pemberton is also contributing to the blankets of smoke that are rolling in over Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas. Coined the Elaho Fire, this blaze is now 20,000 hectares in size and is at zero per cent containment. This fire was caused by lightning, and is burning easterly and gaining momentum as it burns through forest fuels.

A total of 120 firefighters, three helicopters, and 1 heavy equipment operator are on scene battling the Elaho Fire.

Due to the thick cloud coverage of smoke over the region, Metro Vancouver has issued an air quality advisory.

Satellite image of smoke smothering Metro Vancouver. (Photo Credit: NASA.)

Residents are being advised to stay indoors, and the advisory is expected to continue until there is a change in the current weather.

BC Forest Fire is reminding British Columbians that the entire province is prohibited from all open burning activities, including the use of campfires and fireworks.

Photo Credit: BC Forest Fire Info.