Authorities says smoke from B.C. wildfires is expected to cloud Vancouver Island

BC Wildfire (screengrab from ufoscandinavia footage)

VANCOUVER — Winds are blowing smoke from large B.C. wildfires in the interior towards the central coast and northern Vancouver Island.

The Ministry of Forests is expecting fumes to cloud skies in the area for several days after the Wildfire Management Branch received word of heavy smoke from callers on Friday.

Smoke may dissipate overnight, but is expected to reform during the day.

The ministry says the material is drifting past the Pemberton and Bella Coola Valleys and into coastal inlets and rivers.

Authorities are urging people to contact their local healthcare providers if they are concerned the smoke could affect their health .

Ninety firefighters from Alberta and Ontario are expected to arrive in B.C. this weekend to help battle the province’s 162 wildfires.

The Wildfire Management Branch says the help is needed so crews fighting the blazes can get time to rest and has said this has been the busiest fire season in years.