Air quality advisory expanded to Metro Vancouver and the Central Fraser Valley

Environment Canada has expanded an air quality advisory to include Metro Vancouver and most of the Fraser Valley.

On Thursday, an air quality advisory for the Eastern Fraser Valley was issued, with areas reaching the status “very unhealthy.”

Now the advisory includes Metro Vancouver, with all areas, excepting the southwest, reaching the “moderate” level.

The Central Fraser Valley is also included in the advisory, also ranked as “moderate.”

With an unusually active wildfire season, there’s been a continuation of smoky conditions across the Lower Mainland.

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“Smoke from the Eagle Ridge wildfire on Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver is contributing to hazy conditions already being experienced in Metro Vancouver due to smoke from wildfires in BC and Washington,” Environment Canada said.

Environment Canada also notes that the air quality likely won’t improve for a while.

“It is expected that air quality may not change until there is a more significant change in the weather. Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds and temperatures change, and as wildfire behaviour changes,” Environment Canada said.

As the hazy conditions are sticking around for the time being, Environment Canada recommends limiting time spent outside, and avoiding exercise outdoors — especially if you start coughing or have a sore throat.

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.

With files from Robyn Crawford