It's not just haze, Vancouver. That's smoke.
Although we are indeed in the midst of another fire season in British Columbia, the smoke lightly shrouding Vancouver is from a large fire at the DND reserve area south of the Richmond Nature Park.
Emergency crews have blocked Westminster Highway between Shell Road and No. 4 Road to allow them to reach them scene. It's creating a difficult commute for Richmond drivers.
It’s a hazy start to a hot weekend. Be advised that a fire in #RichmondBC has smoke drifting through #Vancouver’s south neighbourhoods. No risk to the public, but the smell is noticeable. @Richmond_BC pic.twitter.com/x7TDYxIacg
— Vancouver Fire (@VanFireRescue) July 27, 2018
While Environment Canada's air quality health index was ranked as "low risk" on Friday morning, the risk will rise to moderate during the day and through Saturday.
Environment Canada is forecasting a prolonged stretch of well above normal temperatures for the south coast as a ridge of high pressure remains anchored offshore.
This period of hot weather will persist through the weekend. Temperatures reaching 29° will continue, with 31° forecast inland.
Here is our map of where you can stay cool in Vancouver.
