Metro Vancouver ends air-quality health warnings but continues to monitor smoke from B.C. wildfires

by Travis Lupick on August 24th, 2018 at 3:55 PM

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There's still a bit of a haze floating over Metro Vancouver, but smoke from nearby wildfires has thinned enough for authorities to lift an Air Quality Advisory that was previously issued for most of the region.

"Metro Vancouver has ended the fine particulate matter Air Quality Advisory for Metro Vancouver and the Central Fraser Valley," reads an August 24 media release. "The fine particulate matter advisory has been in effect since August 13, 2018. Changing weather conditions starting yesterday pushed cooler marine air into the region, reducing fine particulate matter to levels below our air quality objective.

"Metro Vancouver is continuing the Air Quality Advisory for the Eastern Fraser Valley including Agassiz and Hope because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter due to smoke from the Mount Hicks fire near Agassiz and wildfires burning in elsewhere in British Columbia. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the Eastern Fraser Valley are expected to persist until there is further change in weather or fire conditions."

On August 21, the province elevated health-risk levels for Metro Vancouver's Air Quality Health Index from eight and nine (depending on the specific region) to nine, 10, and 10+.

A 10+ is defined as a "very high" health risk. It's the highest category the B.C. government has.

Today Metro Vancouver's regional government said conditions have improved.

"We continue to monitor wildfire activity and smoke production from the numerous wildfires burning throughout the BC Interior, Vancouver Island and Washington State," its release reads. "While these fires continue to burn, changing weather conditions have the potential to bring wildfire smoke into the region again."

The elderly and those with chronic-medical conditions are however still advised to avoid strenuous exercise.

"If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, follow the advice of your healthcare provider."