Air quality alert issued for Fraser Valley amid surging B.C. wildfires

VANCOUVER — Chilliwack, Abbotsford and and other central and eastern sections of the Fraser Valley are under an Air Quality Alert. The alert was issued Saturday (Aug. 19) afternoon by the Metro Vancouver Regional District.

The alert was put in place due of the elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the airshed as a result of the wildfires burning in sections of the province.

Concentrations of fine particulate matter are expected to increase Saturday evening and into Sunday. The warning is expected to remain in place until weather conditions change and push the air from the region.

In the meantime, residents are urged to postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity. The conditions are particularly concerning for those with underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including bronchitis and emphysema, and other lung diseases, heart diseases, and/or diabetes; individuals with respiratory infections; pregnant people; infants and children; older adults; and outdoor workers. The alert goes on to say Individuals who are socially marginalized may also be at higher risk.