Vancouver Island residents can expect to wake to smoky skies Saturday.
FireSmoke Canada mapping shows a wisp of particles over Vancouver Island Friday (Aug. 18). However, by 6 a.m. Saturday the mid-Island will see more, and by 8 a.m. the entire Island could be covered in light smoke.
The forecast extends only as far as midnight Saturday when heavier smoke appears imminent.
Environment Canada’s air quality index shows Vancouver Island as low-risk Friday, rising to moderate risk Saturday.
Smoke Saturday appears to converge from fires spread across B.C. as well as from the north and south.
READ ALSO: Cluster of wildfires burning in Vancouver Island’s Strathcona Provincial Park
There are 379 active fires bringing in B.C. (as of 8 a.m. Aug. 18).
The newest fire in the zone was reported Thursday afternoon on Quadra Island and remains classified as out of control and four hectares in size.
Two fires also remain in the out-of-control stage in Strathcona Provincial Park. One is at 90 hectares and the other is at 47 hectares. Several smaller fires in the park are classified as being held. One reported near Silverado Creek was reported early Thursday and sits at one hectare.
The smoke forecast map indicates daily maximum concentrations of smoke particles from wildfires. Find the interactive forecast online at firesmoke.ca.
