BURST
An air quality warning is in place for the eastern Fraser Valley due to wildfire smoke.
Metro Vancouver and Environment Canada have issued an air quality warning for the region, indicating a “high health risk” because of elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the air caused by several wildfires burning in B.C. near Boston Bar and the southern Interior.
The affected area includes Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope.
Fine particulate matter are small particles, typically caused by wildfire smoke, vehicles, and burning material, that affect the lungs and heart.
Conditions may persist until there is a change in weather, said the advisory issued Monday. “Smoke levels can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour.”
On Tuesday morning, Metro Vancouver’s air quality health index for the eastern Fraser Valley is pegged at eight, considered high risk.
No warning is in place for Metro Vancouver despite hazy conditions in parts of the region on Tuesday. Metro Vancouver’s index is currently at one, or low risk. The Central Fraser Valley, which includes Mission and Abbotsford, is at two, also considered low risk.
Authorities advised people in the area to limit time outdoors, stay indoors in places with air conditioning, and use portable HEPA air cleaners to improve indoor air quality.
People with heart and lung and other chronic conditions, pregnant women, infants, children, seniors and outdoor workers are more vulnerable. Anyone experiencing symptoms like wheezing, chest pain, trouble breathing or a severe cough should seek medical help.
More to come …