B.C. wildfires: What's burning as province declares state of emergency

B.C. wildfires: What's burning as province declares state of emergency

All the data you need to know about wildfires burning in B.C. and across Canada

Fast-moving wildfires have displaced thousands of people across B.C. so far this fire season, prompting a provincewide state of emergency.

High temperatures and strong winds have increased wildfire risks in several parts of the province as crews work to bring the blazes under control.

Here's where the wildfire situation stands as of Monday in B.C. and across Canada.

Fire danger is an assessment — as the term suggests — of how dangerous a wildfire is based on several factors, including weather, the fire's location and what fuels are available that could cause the fire to grow.

It is used to help authorities allocate necessary resources in response to a blaze.

This summer's wildfires have prompted air-quality warnings across large swaths of the country, as smoke can be carried thousands of kilometres from active fire zones, according to Health Canada.

Strong winds also have pushed Canadian wildfire smoke into the U.S.

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a tool used to understand what air quality levels mean for peoples' health.

The risk is considered high when the AQHI is at seven or above on the 10+ point scale, Environmental and Climate Change Canada says on its website.

When air quality is deemed high risk, people are advised to reduce the length or intensity of outdoor activities if they develop symptoms such as coughing, or to reschedule them if more vulnerable groups are taking part.

Groups that are more at-risk during periods of poor air quality include people aged 65 or older, young children or anyone with illnesses or existing health conditions such as lung or heart conditions.