The main causes of the high concentrations of particulate matter are fires near Chilliwack Lake, Hope and in Washington state
An air quality advisory continues for the eastern Fraser Valley due to particles in the air from wildfire smoke.
The main cause of the high concentrations of particulate matter in the area is a fire southeast of Chilliwack near Chilliwack Lake, near Hope and in Washington state. The smoke is affecting several municipalities including Agassiz, Chilliwack and Hope.
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An update on the advisory Wednesday noted other parts of Metro Vancouver and the central Fraser Valley are seeing improved air quality because of an onshore flow of cleaner marine air. The Minnekhada Regional Park in Coquitlam is also producing less smoke than in previous days.
Concentrations remain below the threshold for an advisory but the smoky skies are being exacerbated by high humidity and low winds. The stagnant weather is expected to last a few more days and there may not be much improvement in air quality. The degree of smokiness will vary widely depending on where you are in the region.
Fine particulate is defined as airborne solids or liquid droplets with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, making the particles able to easily penetrate indoors.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should avoid or reduce physical activity, especially if breathing is difficult. Those with underlying conditions, children, the elderly and those who work or live outdoors are more susceptible.
More information on dealing with the effects of wildfire smoke is available on the B.C. Centre for Disease Control website. Data on air quality can be found on the B.C. government’s air quality map.
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