Air quality advisory issued for all of Vancouver Island

If you’ve guessed why the sky looks hazy or what that weird smell is, you’re probably right.

With over 600 wildfires blazing across the province and over 30 on Vancouver Island alone, almost all of southern BC can is now privy to some of the effects of the flames.

Therefore as of 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon, Environment Canada has issued a blanket special air quality statement for all of Vancouver Island and the southern mainland.

According to the Provincial Air Quality Health Index, the Greater Victoria area has a low risk rating (3 out of 10 maximum).

However people in the area are still advised to “be on the lookout for adverse weather conditions and take necessary safety precautions”.

As always, the public is urged to remain cautious and vigilant while in the outdoors. To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone, or 1 800 663-5555, toll-free.