Wildfire smoke prompts air quality warnings on B.C.’s South Coast

Wildfire smoke and hot weather are creating hazy and potentially hazardous conditions in many parts of British Columbia.

Air quality warnings have been issued for much of B.C.’s South Coast, where smoke wafting from wildfires on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border has created hazy skies.

Elevated levels of fine particulate matter have been detected across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley as a result, creating a risk of negative health effects.

The conditions are expected to last “a few days, or until there is a change in the weather,” according to a notice posted on the Metro Vancouver Regional District website on Wednesday.

As of the early afternoon, the smoke had pushed Vancouver to the top of a “most-polluted major city” ranking from IQAir, a Swiss company that develops air quality monitoring systems.

Behind Vancouver were the cities of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Lahore, Pakistan.

Wildfires contributing to the smoky conditions include “those just east of Hope, near Whistler, and a large complex of fires in the Cariboo region, in addition to fires in the U.S.,” according to Metro Vancouver’s notice.

The impacts are being felt across most of the province, prompting a special air quality statement from Environment and Climate Change Canada that applies from Vancouver to Kelowna to Fort Nelson.

The weather agency recommended residents living in smoky areas limit their time outdoors, and consider rescheduling sporting events or other activities happening outside.

“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough,” the statement reads.

“More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.”

Concentrations of smoke vary from place to place, and will fluctuate with changing winds and wildfire conditions, officials said.

• Related: Metro Vancouver’s air quality map

Some people are more susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution than others, including seniors, those who are pregnant, infants and young children, those with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, and anyone who works outdoors.

“Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution,” Environment and Climate Change Canada asked.

People who have to be outside can reduce their exposure to fine particulate matter using a “properly-worn respirator-type mask” such as an N95, the agency said.