Air concentrations are attributed to ongoing wildfires in the province and the United States, as well as a large fire in South Vancouver at a wood recycling facility.
Read more: Smoke forecast for southern coastal BC for weekend, forecaster says
“Fires burning southeast of Chilliwack and Hope are producing smoke that is affecting the region. (This weekend) additional smoke is expected to arrive from the south, further degrading air quality,” Metro Vancouver staff said in a statement. “Additionally, a local fire burning in Vancouver at a wood recycling facility is also producing significant smoke that is being trapped near the surface by an inversion. Smoke from the fire is affecting many municipalities, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, Surrey and Coquitlam.” Story continues below ad
Read more: Evacuation alert issued for Hope, BC as wildfire grows to 50 acres
The regional district is advising community members to postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity while the alert is in effect. Those with underlying conditions such as lung and heart disease or asthma are at increased risk and are advised to stay indoors, possibly with air filtration or air conditioning. Metro Vancouver works with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Fraser Valley Regional District and BC’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to care for air quality. 1:57 Fire burning near Elpida grows to 50 hectares overnight Fire burning near Elpida grows to 50 hectares overnight Related News © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
