Officials have issued an air quality warning for parts of the Fraser Valley as smoke from multiple B.C. wildfires wafts into the region. The Metro Vancouver Regional District said the yellow air quality warning applies to the eastern Fraser Valley, including Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope. Anyone living or working in the affected area has been advised to limit outdoor activity, improve the air quality indoors with filters or cleaners if able, and check on others who may be more vulnerable to the smoke. “People at higher risk include those with lung, heart or other chronic conditions, pregnant people, infants, children, older adults, and outdoor workers,” the warning reads. The government said people can also seek respite in cooler public spaces such as libraries, community centres and malls. In a statement, B.C.’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness noted that communities can be reimbursed for “incremental costs associated with opening and running clean-air centres, as well as extending hours of operation of public spaces to help people reduce exposure to wildfire smoke. For those who must be outside, well-fitting masks such as the N95, KN95 or KF94 are recommended. The eastern Fraser Valley was ranked three on the air quality health index scale as of Wednesday afternoon, which is considered “low risk,” but officials said conditions can change rapidly. The smoke is coming from multiple sources, including the complex of wildfires burning near Boston Bar, according to officials.
