Close X
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
ADVT 
National

Metro Vancouver Residents Urged To Prepare Now For Expected Smoky Summer

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 Jun, 2019 07:00 PM

    BURNABY, B.C. — The federation representing municipalities in Greater Vancouver is warning roughly 2.5-million residents across the region to expect air quality advisories in the coming months.


    Officials with Metro Vancouver issued the warning this week, advising those with breathing problems to brace for a smoky summer, although they say it is difficult to predict if it will be worse than the last two years.


    Francis Ries, senior project engineer with Metro Vancouver, says much of B.C. is experiencing drought conditions, increasing the likelihood of wildfires.


    Ries says it's a question of when, not if, the smoke will arrive and pregnant women or anyone with a heart or breathing condition should start working out strategies now to manage their response to the smudgey air.


    B.C. Wildfire Service spokesman Kevin Skrepnek says, so far this year, the number of hectares burned is well below average but notes the most intense fire risk is from late July to late August.


    Drought conditions are severe across northern B.C., although a heavy rainfall warning was issued Wednesday for the Fort Nelson region, while snow blanketed higher levels of the Coquihalla Connector west of Kelowna.


    Ries says drought ratings are climbing on the south coast prompting Metro Vancouver to issue its plan-ahead advisory to those with specific health conditions.


    "Warmer weather, sunny weather, also means higher than average production of ground-level ozone," Ries says.


    Environment and Climate Change Canada says ground-level ozone is created when pollutants such as car exhaust react in sunlight and stagnant air.


    Ries hopes a long, hot summer won't arrive as predicted, but admits chances are slim.


    "Certainly, the long-term forecast at this juncture indicates we could have a warm, and potentially more smoky summer than usual."

     

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Burnaby RCMP Arrest Three Males With Illegal Firearm Outside Cameron Elementary School

    On Tuesday June 18, 2019 at about 7:09 p.m. a concerned citizen reported that at least two persons were parked in a vehicle at Cameron Elementary School

    Burnaby RCMP Arrest Three Males With Illegal Firearm Outside Cameron Elementary School

    WATCH: Delta Students Write, Star In And Direct Impaired Driving Video For Police

    Just in time for grad season, Delta Film Academy students have created a new Public Service Announcement for Delta Police about the risks of driving while high on marijuana.

    WATCH: Delta Students Write, Star In And Direct Impaired Driving Video For Police

    Empowering South Asian Youth To Tackle Mental Health Stigma

    South Asian youth will be actively promoting mental wellness and reducing stigma with their peers, families and communities through a new mental health youth ambassador program funded by the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.

    Empowering South Asian Youth To Tackle Mental Health Stigma

    Tory Promises Review Of Raptors Parade Amid Planning Criticism And Praise

    Tory Promises Review Of Raptors Parade Amid Planning Criticism And Praise
    Police acted fast to deal with the "scary moment" of gunfire, Tory said, as he denounced the "reckless actions" of those who took firearms to the celebration and praised organizers for their "extraordinary effort."

    Tory Promises Review Of Raptors Parade Amid Planning Criticism And Praise

    Man Wanted For Breach Of Court-Ordered HIV Treatment Arrested In Vancouver

    Vancouver Police have arrested 35-year-old David Hynd who was wanted for six counts of ‘breach of probation’ under the BC Offence Act.

    Man Wanted For Breach Of Court-Ordered HIV Treatment Arrested In Vancouver

    Kenyan Woman Stabbed To Death At House In South Delhi, Say Police

    The body of the woman, identified as Kenyan national Annsam, was found at an apartment, with stab wound on the chest, said Vijay Kumar, DCP (South).  

    Kenyan Woman Stabbed To Death At House In South Delhi, Say Police

    PrevNext