Metro Vancouver air quality advisory extended to Fraser Valley due to smoke from forest fires

Metro Vancouver says it is keeping an air quality advisory in effect and extending it to cover the Fraser Valley.

The advisory was issued on Sunday (July 5) as smoke from forest fires blanketed the region.

"Metro Vancouver is continuing an Air Quality Advisory issued July 5 for Metro Vancouver and extending it to the Fraser Valley because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter, due to smoke from wildfires outside our region," reads a news release issued today (July 6).

"Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous activities until the advisory is lifted. Staying indoors in air conditioned spaces helps to reduce fine particulate exposure. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.

"This advisory is expected to continue until there is a change in the current weather."

According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, there are 67 "active fires of note and/or fires larger than 10 hectares".

The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority issued today a wildfire smoke advisory for the Sea to Sky corridor and surrounding areas.

Campfires have been banned across the province.