yellow warning - air quality - in effect
Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
(July, 22, 2026) Metro Vancouver Regional District has issued a yellow air quality warning due to elevated ground-level ozone (smog) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Conditions are expected to improve by the weekend with a change in the weather.
Cause: Ground-level ozone (smog) is expected to reach elevated levels in eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley this afternoon due to a combination of hot and sunny weather, local emissions, and wildfire smoke.
Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia, including the Brunswick Complex wildfire near Boston Bar and the wildfires in the southern Interior, has increased concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in all parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Smoke levels can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour.
Yellow Air Quality Warning in Effect (High Health Risk)
Limit outdoor activity. Reduce activity duration and intensity.
Where:
Metro Vancouver
Northwest – Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, North Shore (fine particulate matter)
Southwest – Richmond, Delta, Tsawwassen (fine particulate matter)
Northeast – Tri-Cities, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge (fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone)
Southeast – Surrey, Langley, White Rock (fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone)
Fraser Valley
Central – Abbotsford, Mission (fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone)
Eastern – Chilliwack, Agassiz, Hope (fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone)
What you can do:
Check in on others 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.
Improve indoor air quality. 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 air pollution coming indoors.
Keep windows and doors closed while running air filtration. If it’s hot, focus on staying cool.
Spend time in places with air conditioning if your home is smoky or too hot. Try community centres, libraries, or malls.
Seek medical help if you experience severe symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe cough. Call 911 in emergencies.
Manage chronic conditions and carry rescue medications with you (e.g. inhalers).
If you must be outside, a well-fitted N95, KN95, or KF94 mask offers the most protection. Medical masks offer some protection and single layer coverings (e.g. bandanas, scarfs, shirts) offer none.
Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) often throughout the day because conditions can change quickly. See airmap.ca or gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap.
Sign up for air quality alerts at metrovancouver.org/aqalerts.
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Visit https://www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
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