Metro Vancouver re-issues Air Quality Advisory after brutally smoky skies return to Chilliwack

CHILLIWACK — Metro Vancouver has now re-issued an Air Quality Advisory for the Eastern Fraser Valley because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter, primarily due to smoke from wildfires burning southeast of Chilliwack (near Chilliwack Lake), near Hope, near Harrison Lake, and in Washington state. Smoke from the wildfires is impacting multiple communities, including Chilliwack, Agassiz, and Hope.

Hazy conditions may be experienced in other parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, although fine particulate matter concentrations are currently below advisory thresholds. Stagnant weather conditions are forecast to persist for at least the next few days and it is expected that air quality may not change until there is a more significant change in the weather. Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds and temperatures change, and as wildfire behaviour changes.

Fine particulate matter, also known as PM_2.5, refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. PM_2.5 can easily penetrate indoors because of its small size.

Postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity while PM_2.5 concentrations are high, especially if breathing feels uncomfortable. Exposure to PM_2.5 is particularly a concern for people with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and/or diabetes; individuals with respiratory infections; pregnant women and infants; children; older adults; and outdoor workers (e.g. construction and agricultural workers). Individuals who are socially marginalized may also be at elevated risk (e.g. people who are experiencing homelessness or are underhoused).