Fraser Valley under air quality warning as wildfire smoke and smog raise health concern

CHILLIWACK — Residents across the Fraser Valley are being urged to limit outdoor activities as wildfire smoke and elevated smog levels continue to contribute to poor air quality throughout the region.

The Metro Vancouver Regional District air quality warning issued Thursday afternoon (August 6) states fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone measurements remain at high levels.

An orange warning, indicating a very high health risk, is in place for Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope. A yellow air quality warning, indicating a high health risk, is in effect for Abbotsford and Mission.

Smoke from wildfires in the South Cariboo, Southern Interior and the complex of fires near Boston Bar are creating the bad air. Ground-level ozone is expected to reach elevated levels in eastern parts of the Fraser Valley due to hot, sunny weather, local emissions and wildfire smoke.