Air quality advisory remains in effect for much of B.C.’s South Coast

WATCH ABOVE: The air quality advisory that was extended into Tuesday is having an effect on the resort community of Whistler – Elaine Yong has the details.

An air quality advisory remains in effect for much of the South Coast. Residents of Whistler are hoping for an improvement today as it seems they’re bearing the brunt of the wildfire haze.

The air was so bad in Whistler on Tuesday that it was literally off the charts. On a scale of one to 10, it was topping out at 35.

It’s expected to be better today, but is still listed as a high health risk. The bad air is being caused by smoke drifting down from the Pemberton wildfires. The tiny particulates in the air can irritate your lungs and health officials recommend reducing strenuous outdoor activities.

The conditions are proving especially challenging for the resort community, which relies heavily on tourism.

READ MORE: Full coverage on the fires burning around B.C.

There are currently 180 active fires burning in the province. There were 23 new fires in B.C. on Monday and officials expect about 30 every day, on average, until conditions change. Eighteen fires are considered fires of note, with eight evacuation alerts or orders currently in effect.

Evacuation Orders currently exist in the following areas:

• Boulder Creek Wildfire, northwest of Pemberton Meadows
• Sechelt Mine fire, issued for Carlson Point, affecting 18 homes
• One home in Harrogate, north of Highway 95 near Brisco

Evacuation Alerts exist in these areas:

• Tsulquate Creek Fire, northwest of Port Hardy
• Sitkum Creek Fire, north of Kootenay Lake, between Sitkum and Duhamel Creeks
• East of Lake Koocanusa, east of Baynes Lake and Highway 93
• Harrogate, north of Highway 95, between Harrogate and Brisco
• Petitot River fire, northeast of Fort Nelson