yellow warning - air quality - in effect
Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
The Regions of BC highlighted on the map are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours.
During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.
Monitor the situation for any wildfires near your area at EmergencyInfoBC (https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/). Follow all emergency announcements relevant to your location.
The next update will be available on July 26, 2026 and made available on the Province’s Air Quality Warnings webpage (https://aqwarnings.gov.bc.ca/).
Actions you can take :
Exposure to high smoke levels can pose threat to your health regardless of age or health status. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended. Stay indoors in a space with cleaner air.
Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke. This includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness.
During smoky conditions:
Follow your common sense
-Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you feel unwell.
-Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
-Carry any rescue medications with you at all times.
-Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves follow the same advice.
Monitor your symptoms
-Different people have different responses to smoke.
-Mild irritation and discomfort such as eye, nose and throat irritation, phlegm production, runny nose, headaches or mild cough are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.
-More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
-People with asthma or other chronic illness should follow any personal care plans designed with their family physicians.
-If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.
-If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your physician, walk-in clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Tips to reduce your smoke exposure
-Smoke levels may still be elevated indoors, so stay aware of your symptoms even when you are indoors.
-When indoors, keep windows and doors closed. If it is hot, prioritize keeping cool.
-Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Use a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. Do-it-yourself air cleaners may also be used if other options are unavailable. For more details, see the BC Centre for Disease Control Do-it Yourself Air Cleaners fact sheet.
-If your home is smoky or hot, spend time in places with cleaner, air conditioned air such as community centres, libraries, or malls.
-If you must be outside, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
-When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with the air flow (or air conditioning) set to recirculate.
-Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.
-Always follow guidance from local authorities.
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As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
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.
When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.
Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using the highest quality air filter that your ventilation system can handle and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.
Always follow guidance from local authorities.
Learn more at https://www.canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.
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