“Very unhealthy,” air quality advisory for the Eastern Fraser Valley: Environment Canada

Smoky conditions across the Lower Mainland have led to an air quality advisory for the Eastern Fraser Valley, with areas reaching the status “very unhealthy” on Thursday.

According to the Metro Vancouver Regional District, the advisory is, “Because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter, primarily due to smoke from wildfires burning southeast of Chilliwack (near Chilliwack Lake), near Hope, near Harrison Lake, and in Washington. Smoke from the wildfires is impacting multiple communities, including Chilliwack, Agassiz, and Hope.”

For locals in the Eastern Fraser Valley, Environment Canada recommends limiting time spend outside, and avoiding exercise outdoors — especially if you start coughing or have a sore throat.

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Environment Canada says that people who are most at risk include seniors, children, and people with asthma, heart, or lung conditions.

“If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, seek prompt medical attention. Call 911 in the case of an emergency,” Environment Canada said.

For Metro Vancouver, the air quality is better, with northeast Metro Vancouver classified as “moderate,” and the rest of the region at “low risk.”