A combination of hot, sunny weather and a Fraser Canyon wildfire has resulted in an air quality advisory for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Metro Vancouver Regional District issued an air quality warning in eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and central and eastern Fraser Valley Sunday afternoon (Aug. 24), due to elevated ground-level ozone 鈥� smog 鈥� and in the eastern Fraser Valley, due to fine particulate matter , or small particles in the air that may impact health.
The smog warning is expected to last at least until Monday (Aug. 25), a MVRD release noted, while the fine particular matter warning is expected to last today and Monday, or until smoke conditions improve; the warnings will remain in effect until further notice.
Hot and sunny weather, in combination with local emissions, has resulted in elevated levels of ground-level smog, the release continued, with smoke from the burning north of Yale in the Fraser Canyon resulting in the elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the eastern valley.
Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds, temperatures, and wildfire behaviour changes.
The air quality warning is in effect for smog in Metro Vancouver northeast and southeast, as well as the central Fraser Valley (smog) and the eastern Fraser Valley for fine particulate matter and smog, the release said.
Other tips in the release include:
- Outdoor Activities: Consider postponing or limiting outdoor activities, especially for people at risk, including those with lung and heart conditions or diabetes, pregnant people, infants, children, and older adults. Take it easy and take frequent breaks if outdoor activities cannot be avoided.
- Find Cleaner Air: Use a portable HEPA air cleaner in one or more rooms at home. Keep windows and doors closed but ensure the space does not get too hot. If your home is too smoky or hot, spend time in community spaces that have air conditioning since they also tend to have better air quality. These can include community centres, libraries, and shopping malls.
- Heat Safety: Heat and air pollution can happen together. Heat is a bigger health concern for most people. Stay cool, drink plenty of water and spend time in spaces with air conditioning. Check with your municipality to see if cooling centres are available near you.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Seek medical care for symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, severe coughing or wheezing, and dizziness. Check on family, friends, and neighbours often, and call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.
- Check Air Quality Regularly: Monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) rating nearest you at or . Use the current health messages accompanying the rating to make decisions about your outdoor activities. Air quality can change throughout the day and by location so check the AQHI often. Sign up for Air Quality Warnings alerts and updates at .
