Poor air quality is caused by smoke from several wildfires burning near Boston Bar and in the B.C. Interior.
Article content
An air quality warning is in place for the eastern Fraser Valley due to wildfire smoke.
Article content
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.
Article content
Article content
Story continues below
Article content
The affected area includes Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope.
Article content
Sunrise
Article content
Fine particulate matter are small particles, typically caused by wildfire smoke, vehicles, and burning material, that affect the lungs and heart.
Article content
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.”
Article content
On Tuesday morning, Metro Vancouver’s air quality health index for the eastern Fraser Valley is pegged at eight, considered high risk.
Article content
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.
Article content
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.
Article content
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.
Article content
More to come …
Article content
Article content
