An air quality advisory has been issued for Metro Vancouver due to wildfire smoke coming from the province's interior.
Winds have changed direction in B.C. and are now blowing smoke from the Okanagan, Shuswap, Fraser Canyon, and other areas towards the coast. Smoky skies in Metro Vancouver started Aug. 19, causing the Metro Vancouver Regional District to put out a warning to people in the area.
"People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke," states the advisory.
It cautions people to be aware of their breathing and make necessary preparations for those who are more vulnerable.
"Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell," states the advisory. "Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice."
It notes wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone, not just those most vulnerable.
"Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable," it notes. "Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air."
Conditions may vary across the region due to winds and temperatures. The advisory notes conditions may improve Monday.
The federal air quality index rates air quality on a scale of 1 to 10+ with 10+ being a "very high risk" to health. Metro Vancouver is split into four regions; while the southeast, southwest, and northwest are all in the moderate portion of the scale (between 2 and 4), northeast areas are currently at a 6 but were recently at a 10+.
