Smoky Skies Bulletin — July 25, 2024
The Regions of BC highlighted on the map are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours.
Local smoke near active wildfires. Smoke levels vary across the southern half of the province because of localized rain and changing wind conditions.
The next bulletin update will be available July 26, 2024.
The bulletin can be accessed online at https://www.gov.bc.ca/airqualityadvisories
Be informed
During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.
Wildfire smoke is a natural part of our environment but it is important to be mindful that exposure to smoke may affect your health.
People with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections such as COVID-19, older adults, pregnant women and infants, children, and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.
A description of current Bulletin Region(s) is provided at the end of this bulletin. Bulletin Regions do not include Metro Vancouver or the
Fraser Valley Regional District.
During smoky conditions
Follow your common sense
Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you feel unwell.
Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
If you have asthma or other chronic illness, carry any rescue (fast-acting) medications with you at all times and activate your personal care plan that has been designed with your family physician.
Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves follow the same advice.
Monitor your symptoms
People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.
Exposure to wildfire smoke and the virus that causes COVID-19 can both result in respiratory symptoms such as a dry cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. Use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to help determine whether you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.
If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.
If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your health care provider, walk-in clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Tips to reduce your smoke exposure
Smoke levels may be lower indoors but will still be elevated, so stay aware of your symptoms even when you are indoors.
Running a commercially available HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter can improve indoor air quality in the room where the device is located.
If you have a forced air heating/cooling system in your home, it may help to change the filter and set the fan to run continuously.
Reduce indoor air pollution sources such as smoking, burning incense, and frying foods.
If travelling in a car with air conditioning, keep the windows up and the ventilation set to recirculate.
If you are very sensitive to smoke, consider moving to another location with cleaner air, but be aware that conditions can change rapidly.
Maintaining good overall health is a good way to prevent health effects resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.
More information
For additional general information about wildfire smoke and air quality:
Advisories for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District:
Metro Vancouver’s Air Quality Data and Advisories page: https://metrovancouver.org/ services/air-quality-climate-change/air-quality-data-and-advisories
Air Quality Data
Air Quality Health Index: https://www.gov.bc.ca/airqualityhealthindex
Air Quality Map: https://www.gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap
Wildfire smoke forecasts
Environment and Climate Change Canada FireWork prediction system: https://weather. gc.ca/firework/index e.html
BlueSky Canada smoke forecasting system: https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current
For additional general information about wildfire smoke and your health:
BC Centre for Disease Control
Wildfire smoke and your health: https://bccdc.ca/wildfiresmoke
Wildfire smoke and COVID-19: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid- 19/prevention-risks/wildfires
Provincial Health Authorities
First Nations Health Authority: http://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/environmental-health/wildfire- information
Interior Health Authority: For resources related to forest fire smoke exposure, air quality, food safety when the power is out and ensuring your drinking water is safe visit https:
//www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/natural-disasters-and-emergencies.
HealthLink BC
Wildfires and your health: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/wildfires
Phone 8-1-1 (toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Worksafe BC
For information about working outdoors during smoky conditions, see the wildfire FAQ website: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/information-sheets/wildfire- smoke-frequently-asked-questions-faq.
Contact information
Media and public inquiries regarding air quality and this bulletin:
Gae¨ lle Gilson, Air Quality Meteorologist, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, 250-420-6271.
Media questions regarding health implications of wildfires:
First Nations Health Authority
Environmental Public Health Services or Main FNHA Line: 604-693-6500 After Hours: 1-844-666-0711
Email: Ephs.afterhours@fnha.ca Media line: 604-831-4898
Fraser Health Authority Media Line: 604-613-0794
Interior Health Authority Media line: 1-844-469-7077
Email: media@interiorhealth.ca