Wildfires in British Columbia cause smoky skies in San Juans

Islanders woke up to smokey skies the morning of July 5 after a fire on Portage Island, which is near Lummi Island. While that blaze has been extinguished, there are currently 69 fires in British Columbia that is causing hazy, smoky air.

July 6, 2015 12:20 pm
The sun over San Juan Islands is cloaked in a heavy fog of smoke as wildfires burn
The sun over San Juan Islands is cloaked in a heavy fog of smoke as wildfires burn

Islanders woke up to smokey skies the morning of July 5 after a fire on Portage Island, which is near Lummi Island. While that blaze has been extinguished, there are currently 69 fires in British Columbia that is causing hazy, smoky air.

“We don’t know when at this point will clear up,” said Acting Fire Chief Mik Presyz. “Those who have allergies or asthma are encouraged to stay indoors.”

There is a full burn ban now in effect for all state parks. Due to the unusually hot and dry weather, fire danger is extremely high.