wildfire smoke is back in b.c.: what you need to know to protect your health
3 minute read
we apologize, but this video has failed to load.
try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
as wildfire smoke blankets parts of the b.c. interior and drifts toward the lower mainland, hazy skies and smoky conditions are becoming a familiar part of summer.
health experts say even short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can affect your health, especially if air quality reaches high-risk levels.
metro vancouver and environment canada have issued air quality warnings for metro vancouver and the fraser valley this week that remain in place. warning are also in effect across parts of the province, including the okanagan, cariboo, shuswap, lower nicola and the fraser canyon.
here’s what you need to know about protecting yourself from wildfire smoke.
how do i assess my risk?
the easiest way is to check b.c. environment ministry’s air quality health index (aqhi), which covers 25 communities across the province and is updated hourly, or metro vancouver’s airmap, which also provides air quality readings for the lower mainland.
the aqhi rates air quality on a scale of 1 to 10+:
- 1–3: low risk
- 4–6: moderate risk
- 7–10: high risk
- 10+: very high risk
when air quality is in the low or moderate range, most people can go about their daily routine unless they develop symptoms.
“typically, for lower levels of poor air quality, we recommend members of the general public can continue their regular outdoor physical activities,” said brandon yau, a medical health officer with vancouver coastal health.
who is at higher risk from wildfire smoke?
some people are more vulnerable to the effects of smoke, including: people with lung and heart and other chronic conditions, pregnant women, young children, adults aged 65 and older, and people who spend a lot of time outdoors, including outdoor workers, wildland firefighters, and those living in remote or rural areas.
if you are in one of these groups, health experts recommend reducing strenuous outdoor activity and monitoring yourself for symptoms.
downtown vancouver enveloped in a smoky haze on aug. 6, 2026 as smoke from b.c. wildfires drifts into the lower mainland.
nick procaylo
/
png
advertisement
should kids be outside at playgrounds?
young children are more vulnerable to poor air quality, said yau, who recommends parents and caregivers check their local air quality conditions before heading outdoors.
health guidelines say at low and moderate risk levels, there is no need to change outdoor activities.
“it really is that individual decision,” said yau. if it looks hazy and if there are local symptoms they are experiencing, it’s best to dial back on the outdoor activities.”
what symptoms should i watch for?
mild symptoms can include irritated eyes, runny or scratchy nose, sore throat, mild cough and headaches, said health canada.
these are signs that smoke is affecting you and that you should move to cleaner air.
more serious symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain and worsening asthma symptoms.
anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately or call 911 in an emergency.
hazy sky seen over boundary road on august 4, 2026 as several wildfires burn out of control in b.c.
nick procaylo
what should i do when air quality is poor?
the best way to reduce exposure is to spend time in cleaner indoor air.
if you are at home, you can keep windows and doors closed, and use a hepa air purifier if possible. consider setting up a diy box-fan air cleaner if you don’t have a filtration system.
if your home doesn’t have good air filtration, consider hanging out at community centres, libraries or shopping malls, which often have better indoor air quality.
should i wear a mask outside?
if you must be outdoors during smoky conditions, a well-fitting n95, kn95 or kf94 mask provides the best protection from wildfire smoke particles, said environment canada.
ad hoc coverings such as bandanas or shirts do not provide meaningful protection against smoke particles.
people take a stroll at crescent beach in south surrey on aug. 5, 2026 after a yellow warning has been issued for deteriorating air quality due to forest fires around b.c.
nick procaylo
/
png
what is fine particulate matter (pm2.5)?
air quality advisories warn about elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the air during wildfires.
advertisement
fine particulate matter, commonly known as pm2.5 is one of the most harmful components of wildfire smoke, which is a mixture of gases and tiny particles, including ozone, methane, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide.
pm2.5 refers to particles that are 2.5 micrometres or smaller.
it is commonly used as an indicator of air quality because it can be measured easily and is strongly associated with the health impacts of wildfire smoke.
“these particles can travel quite deeply into the lungs and cause many of the symptoms associated with smoke exposure,” said yau.
according to health canada, exposure to pm2.5 has been linked to a wide range of health effects, particularly for people with heart or lung conditions. “air quality may be poor even if you can’t see or smell smoke,” it warned.
share story
