Blame wildfire smoke and the warm, dry weather for the bad air around the Lower Mainland. A visible layer of haze will continue to hang for the next several days over the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, Sea-to-Sky and other parts of B.C. Air quality advisories are in effect. Those bothered by the smoke are advised to stay indoors, close windows and use air filters.
Meanwhile, more than two days after a wildfire broke out in the hills next to the Coquihalla Highway, the blaze is so far out-of-control that the route between Hope and Merritt has had to be shut down. The Mine Creek wildfire was discovered Monday - the Coquihalla was closed late Wednesday afternoon. Some people are speculating on social media the province allowed the situation to escalate by underestimating the need for greater initial action.
There are no fatalities or serious injuries after a helicopter and its wildfire attack crew made a forced landing in the backcountry near Pemberton. Rescuers, along with paramedics, had to bring the crew to safety. The Transportation Safety Board has no early word on why the chopper went down.
