Air Quality Advisory issued for Fraser Valley

VANCOUVER — Wildfire smoke from fires in British Columbia and Washington State is making it difficult to breathe in the Fraser Valley and other sections of the lower mainland today (Aug. 25). The smoke has led the an Air Quality Advisory.

The Metro Vancouver Regional District issued the advisory late Friday morning due to high levels of fine particulate matter that is carried within wildfire smoke. It says smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds, temperatures, and wildfire behaviour change.

The advisory covers all sections of the Fraser Valley and the lower mainland including Vancouver. The advisory is expected to remain in place until there is a change in weather patterns.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to consider postponing or reducing outdoor physical activity while fine particulate matter and ozone concentrations are high, especially if breathing feels uncomfortable. Those with pre-existing health complications could be more impacted by conditions and should take extra precautions to protect their health.