Wildfire smoke triggers air quality statements for much of southern B.C.

Much of southern British Columbia is under an air quality statement Saturday as wildfire smoke from the Central and Northern Interior wafts southwesterly.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an alert for East Kootenay, North Okanagan, Shuswap, Nicola, North and South Thompson, Sunshine Coast, East and West Vancouver Island, and other surrounding areas.

Metro Vancouver is not under an air quality advisory, however, warnings are in place as air quality is expected to deteriorate throughout Saturday.

Much of southern B.C. is under an air quality statement Saturday due to wildfire smoke. (ECCC)

In its statement, ECCC says the highlighted regions where a statement has been issued are likely being impacted or will be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours.

“Winds across the province are expected to shift several times in the next 24-hours. Expect smoke conditions to also change rapidly over both space and time,” it explained.

Even at low concentrations, wildfire smoke can be harmful to people’s health, ECCC says.

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“Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke,” it noted.

“People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.”

The weather service suggests taking a break from smoky air at local cooling centres where you can find cool, clean air.

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