Wildfire smoke prompts air-quality warning across Metro Vancouver

Wildfire smoke has prompted a yellow air-quality warning for Metro Vancouver, with several areas in the region and Fraser Valley listed at very high health risk on the regional Air Quality Health Index as of Aug. 8.

Metro Vancouver advised people in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, Tsawwassen, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Surrey, White Rock and Langley, among other areas, to reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activity. It said smoke from fires in the South Cariboo, Southern Interior and near Boston Bar was driving the warning.

The regional district said smoke conditions can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour. It also noted that PM2.5 particles can affect lung and heart health and come from wildfire smoke as well as vehicles, industry and burning materials.

IQAir readings cited in the report showed particularly poor conditions elsewhere in B.C. on Aug. 5, including an AQI of 899 in Ashcroft. The City of Vancouver urged residents and visitors to plan for smoky conditions and, where possible, spend time in cleaner indoor spaces such as libraries and community centres.