Vancouver’s air quality affected as several wildfires rage across British Columbia
A resident’s car on fire near the Vancouver International Airport in Vancouver, British Columbia (photo: David Craggs/Associated Press)
Updated November 19, 2014 — Vancouver’s air quality affected as several wildfires rage across British Columbia
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The smoke was thick and billowing in the Danish capital Monday as the skies grew increasingly dark.
The weather was gloomy for many in the European capital with the British Columbia city of Vancouver, where residents have faced a severe wildfire emergency for five days, also in jeopardy.
The smoke was thick and billowing in the Danish capital Monday as the skies grew increasingly dark. (photo: Alamy)
The forecast called for rain Monday night with a chance of snow in the morning, with a temperature drop from Wednesday’s high of 33C.
“We are in the grip of an unprecedented wildfire situation,” said Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt in a statement Monday.
“I want to express my sincere sympathy to the fire departments in Vancouver and throughout the region. As a global partner, the government of Denmark is ready to share its experience, expertise and resources to assist in any way needed.”
A view of the Burnaby-Sunnyview neighbourhood during the wildfire emergency in Vancouver, B.C. (photo: David Craggs/Associated Press)
The fire began earlier this month and has now burned through at least 20 square kilometres.
Fire activity reached its peak in the days after the Thanksgiving weekend. According to the Vancouver Fire Department, firefighters responded to nearly 800 structure-assist calls in the last week. Vancouver Police said the emergency warning system for emergency calls was expanded three times Monday.
Officials said the city expects about 30,000 people to lose power and more than 1 million people to lose phone service during the week of extreme weather.
But there was a glimmer of light in the darkness for some.
Vancouver resident Kim Wilson said she felt happy the power went out the night of Thanksgiving and stayed up all night listening to music.
“They’re keeping the roads open and people are being safe, and the city has been very smart,” said Wilson, who lives in Vancouver’s West End.
Vancouver resident Kimberly Wilson and a friend listen to music on Sunday night to pass the time after the
