Orange Warning - Air Quality

Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.

(August 13, 2026) Metro Vancouver Regional District has issued an air quality warning due to elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Conditions may last until there is a change in weather.

Cause: Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia, including the South Cariboo and the complex of wildfires near Boston Bar.

Affected communities include Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope.

Smoke levels can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour.

Avoid outdoor activity.

What you can do:

- Check in on others who may be more affected. People at higher risk include those with lung, heart or other chronic conditions, pregnant people, infants, children, older adults, and outdoor workers.

- Improve indoor air quality. Use portable HEPA air cleaners or do-it-yourself box fan air cleaners. If your home has a built-in ventilation system, install filters rated MERV 13 or higher to remove smoke. If possible, adjust the ventilation system to reduce smoke coming indoors.

- Keep windows and doors closed while running air filtration. If it’s hot, focus on staying cool.

- Spend time in places with air conditioning if your home is smoky or too hot. Try community centres, libraries, or malls.

- Seek medical help if you experience severe symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe cough. Call 911 in emergencies.

- Manage chronic conditions and carry rescue medications with you (e.g. inhalers).

- If you must be outside, a well-fitted N95, KN95, or KF94 mask offers the most protection. Medical masks offer some protection and single layer coverings (e.g. bandanas, scarfs, shirts) offer none.

- Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) often throughout the day because conditions can change quickly. See airmap.ca or gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap.

- Sign up for air quality alerts at metrovancouver.org/aqalerts.

###

During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status.

Limit time outdoors. Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events.

You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. 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.

People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

Visit https://www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.