An air quality warning was issued Monday for the eastern Fraser Valley due to wildfire smoke, according to the regional district. Metro Vancouver issued the yellow warning, indicating a “high health risk” for the area that includes Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope. Levels of fine particulate matter are elevated due to the Brunswick complex of wildfires burning near Boston Bar, as well as fires in the Southern Interior. “Smoke levels can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour,” the warning said, advising people to limit outdoor activity and to try to stay indoors in cool spaces with the windows and doors closed where possible. People with chronic cardiovascular conditions, infants, pregnant people, the elderly and people who work outdoors are at increased risk, the regional district also noted, encouraging people to check on those who are most vulnerable. The long weekend saw a surge in wildfire activity and intensity, and provincial officials said Monday that more hot, dry and windy weather is expected in the coming days.
