People in the Vancouver region awoke to an eerie sight Sunday, as a smoky haze filled the skies.
More than 170 forest fires are currently burning in the province, which is seeing an extended heat wave that has caused very dry conditions.
A state of emergency has been declared in two communities. A 500-hectare fire northwest of Pemberton has prompted the move, as well as one in Port Hardy that forced the evacuation of about 100 homes.
May and June were unusually hot and dry, leading to Metro Vancouver water reservoirs being depleted much earlier and faster than normal. Officials have implemented stricter water restrictions.
On Friday, the Forests Ministry also took the rare step of imposing a province-wide ban on all open burning. It covers everything from campfires to fireworks, tiki torches and even exploding targets used for rifle practice.
See more photos of the hazy sky above B.C.:
With files from The Canadian Press
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