Smoke from Vancouver Island fire sweeps through the Kootenay region

Wildfire smoke from a blaze on Vancouver Island has drifted into the West Kootenays, according to the BC Wildfire Service. 

As of 3 p.m. on August 13, Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index measured in Castlegar is at level three – considered a low risk. 

The BC Wildfire Service said it’s coming from a fire on Vancouver Island, with Wednesday’s winds carrying the smoke through southern B.C. 

It’s likely to persist until Thursday, as a cold front blows into the region, helping the smoke to dissipate heading into the weekend.

If you find yourself wondering where the smoke is coming from, check out www.firesmoke.ca – both for an idea of what is happening now, and looking ahead to a forecast of the anticipated conditions.


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Storrm Lennie
Storrm Lennie
Storrm began her journalism career in the Kootenays, joining Vista Radio in 2022. Originally from Red Deer, Alta., she now calls Nelson home and brings her passion for politics and community to her reporting.

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