| Air Quality Warning - Fine Particulate Matter | Air Quality Warning - Fine Particulate Matter | | <div class="ExternalClass4FB107A8371649B5A1D84571F338E730"><p>Metro Vancouver Regional District has issued an air quality warning<strong> </strong>due to elevated
<strong>fine particulate matter</strong> (PM<sub>2.5</sub>). Conditions may last until there is a significant change in weather.</p><p>Cause: Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia, including the South Cariboo and the complex of wildfires near Boston Bar.</p><p>Smoke levels can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour.</p><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:100%;background-color:#ffcc66;"><p>
<strong>Orange Air Quality Warning in Effect (Very High Health Risk)</strong></p><p>
<strong>Avoid outdoor activities. </strong></p><p>Where:</p><p>Fraser Valley</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Eastern – Chilliwack, Agassiz, Hope<br></li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><p>
</p><p><strong>What you can do:</strong></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><strong>Check in on others</strong> who may be more affected. People at higher risk include those with lung, heart or other chronic conditions, pregnant people, infants, children, older adults, and outdoor workers.</li><li><strong>Improve indoor air quality.</strong> Use portable HEPA air cleaners or do-it-yourself box fan air cleaners. If your home has a built-in ventilation system, install filters rated MERV 13 or higher to remove smoke. If possible, adjust the ventilation system to reduce smoke coming indoors.</li><li><strong>Keep windows and doors closed while running air filtration.</strong> If it's hot, focus on staying cool.</li><li><strong>Spend time in places with air conditioning</strong> if your home is smoky or too hot. Try community centres, libraries, or malls.</li><li><strong>Seek medical help if you experience severe symptoms</strong> such as wheezing, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe cough. Call 911 in emergencies.</li><li><strong>Manage chronic conditions</strong> and carry rescue medications with you (e.g. inhalers).</li><li><strong>If you must be outside, a well-fitted N95, KN95, or KF94 mask</strong> offers the most protection. Medical masks offer some protection and single layer coverings (e.g. bandanas, scarfs, shirts) offer none.</li><li><strong>Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) often</strong> throughout the day because conditions can change quickly. See <a href="https://gis.metrovancouver.org/maps/Air">airmap.ca</a> or <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%2a3A%2a2F%2a2Fwww.env.gov.bc.ca%2a2Fepd%2a2Fbcairquality%2a2Freadings%2a2Ffind-stations-map.html&data=05%2a7C02%2a7Cprabjit.barn%2a40fraserhealth.ca%2a7C990003af4343471b3d7808dc59b3a623%2a7C31f660a5192a4db392baca424f1b259e%2a7C0%2a7C0%2a7C638483875314144198%2a7CUnknown%2a7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%2a3D%2a7C0%2a7C%2a7C%2a7C&sdata=hnTGAUy5Pxaezbk5QVnnsMBHS1i%2a2B7EgLglNnQNJBvho%2a3D&reserved=0__%3bJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl%21%21A97xj4VDKevydJo%21l8uyXYgf2dTrY7NOaiP5wAbdEzseCNYAg6maAmYRgN49FXtQBm8824k1W6EDZj51fA8dQhDWwQhfDxbDXyhftF1wIXB_81g5FATcDx-MzSI$">gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap</a>.</li></ul><p>Sign up for air quality alerts at <a href="http://metrovancouver.org/aqalerts">metrovancouver.org/aqalerts</a><br><br></p></div> | 8/13/2026 7:00:00 AM | | Metro Vancouver Media Relations | | | |