Smoky Skies Bulletin
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.
The next bulletin update will be available February 07, 2025.
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.
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.
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.
Consider going to a library, community center, or shopping mall with cooler filtered air to get some relief from the smoke.
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-action/air-quality-data-and-advisories.
Air Quality Data
Air Quality Health Index: gov.bc.ca/airqualityhealthindex.
Air Quality Map: 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: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke
Provincial Health Authorities
- First Nations Health Authority: https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/environmental-health/wildfire-information
HealthLink BC
Wildfires and your health: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/more/health-features/wildfires-and-your-health
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:
Vickie Irish, Air Quality Meteorologist, Ministry of Environment and Parks, 778-584-5719.
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
Interior Health Authority Media line: 1-844-469-7077 Email: media@interiorhealth.ca
Northern Health Authority Media Line: 1-877-961-7724
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Rachel Galligan, Communications Leader: 236-833-5618 Deana Lancaster, Communications Leader: 604-230-6130 After-hours media line: 604-202-2012
Regions included under this bulletin
- Bulkley Valley: includes Hazelton, Smithers, Telkwa, and Granisle.
- Chilcotin: includes Hansville, Alexis Creek, Chilanko Forks, Tatla Lake, Nimpo Lake, Anahim Lake, and the southern half of Tweedsmuir Park.
- Lakes District: includes Houston, Topley, Burns Lake, and Endako.
- Stuart - Nechako: includes Fraser Lake, Fort Fraser, Vanderhoof, Fort St James, and Tachie.
Quarto Passthrough Tests
Content-block passthrough test