Air quality could worsen on Vancouver Island as wildfire smoke lingers

Vancouver Island has been largely spared from the harmful impacts of wildfire smoke this week, though health risks could increase slightly on Friday and Saturday.

According to B.C.’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), air quality on Vancouver Island could reach “moderate risk” on Friday and remain in that category through Saturday.

The AQHI runs on a scale of one to 10-plus, with one to three being “low risk,” four to six being “moderate risk,” and 7 to 10 being “high risk,” with anything above 10 being “very high risk.”

As of 7 a.m. Friday, the AQHI at all weather stations on Vancouver Island were recording “low risk” on the scale, with areas like Victoria and the West Shore only registering a one on the scale, while Duncan and the Comox Valley reported a two and Nanaimo recorded a three.

At all five of these stations, however, the AQHI could reach four on the scale on Friday, putting the air quality into the “moderate risk” category.

(Air Quality Health Index )

While at “low risk,” people do to not need to change their behaviour, with the province describing the air quality as “ideal” for outdoor activities.

When a region’s AQHI is “moderate risk,” the province says you may “consider reducing” strenuous outdoor activities, but that it is likely only necessary if you are experiencing symptoms like coughing, throat irritation or shortness of breath.

The province’s AQHI summary notes that its forecast is for the “maximums” of each day, and it’s possible that the air quality may not reach the moderate risk category on Friday and Saturday on Vancouver Island.

The forecast comes as hazy skies linger over Greater Victoria for a second day, and as special air quality statements remain in effect for the majority of mainland British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, due to wildfire smoke.

RELATED: Minister says shroud of wildfire smoke set to worsen in B.C.

The special air quality statement was first issued on Sept. 3 because of smoke coming from both B.C. and the U.S.

“Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds, temperatures, and wildfire behaviour changes,” reads the special air quality statement Friday.

The Firesmoke Canada interactive map also shows a light layer of smoke coverage hovering over Vancouver Island on Friday.

The FireSmoke Canada map shows its forecast for 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (FireSmoke Canada)

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