Environment Canada and the province are maintaining air-quality statements for much of the province, including Vancouver Island.
Wildfire smoke carried north from blazes in Washington state, Oregon and California is expected to continue blanketing southern B.C. for at least another 24 hours.
The province’s air quality health index reflected a brief improvement in conditions early Wednesday, with only Castlegar, Nanaimo and the south Okanagan ranked at the top of the 10-point scale.
By Thursday morning, air quality on the Island was considered a moderate risk.
The index, which measures health risks from a combination of pollutants, including particulate matter caused by wildfire smoke, shows a very high risk for southern B.C. today, including the Island.
The elderly, children and those with health issues are urged to reduce or avoid strenuous outdoor activities when risks are rated as high or very high.
Canada Post resumed delivery services for several parts of British Columbia on Wednesday, including Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Ganges, Nanaimo, Parksville and Sooke.
It was attempting to make deliveries in Greater Victoria, but warned there could be delays.
Mail delivery in some parts of central and southern B.C. was cancelled Monday because of the wildfire smoke. The corporation said air quality made delivery unsafe for its workers.
— With a file from the Times Colonist
