Yellow air-quality warning issued for Maple Ridge

Metro Vancouver issued a yellow air-quality warning for Maple Ridge and surrounding areas on Aug. 5 because of elevated fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, from B.C. wildfire smoke.

A yellow warning indicates the possibility of moderate, localized or short-term health effects. Conditions can change quickly with weather and wildfire activity.

Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity and exercise, check on people who may be more vulnerable to heat or poor air quality, and use a well-fitted N95, KN95 or KF94 mask if needed. Keeping windows and doors closed where possible and using a portable HEPA air cleaner can also reduce exposure.

People with chronic conditions should keep rescue medications, including inhalers, with them and identify air-conditioned or shaded places they can use. The Air Quality Health Index is available at gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap, and Metro Vancouver alerts are available at metrovancouver.org/aqalerts.