Particulate Matter – Air Quality Warning

September 3, 2025

AIR QUALITY WARNING IN EFFECT

An Air Quality Warning has been issued for Central Fraser Valley, Eastern Fraser Valley, and Manning-Skagit Valley due to elevated fine particulate matter (small particles in the air that may impact health) that is expected to last for a few days or until there is a change in weather. This warning will remain in effect until further notice. The fine particulate matter is primarily due to wildfire smoke. Wildfires contributing smoke to the region include those just east of Hope, near Whistler, and a large complex of fires in the Cariboo region, in addition to fires in the US. 

Air Quality Warning in effect for:

Central Fraser Valley: Abbotsford, Mission, Hatzic Island, and Nicomen Island.

Eastern Fraser Valley: Chilliwack, Cultus, Hope, Deroche, Lake Errock, Harrison Mills, Chilliwack Lake, Popkum, Kent, Harrison, Laidlaw, and Seabird Island.

Manning-Skagit Valley: Sunshine Valley.

Important information:

  • Outdoor Activities: Consider postponing or limiting outdoor activities, especially for people at risk, including those with lung and heart conditions, diabetes, pregnant people, infants, children, and older adults. Take it easy and take frequent breaks if outdoor activities cannot be avoided.
  • Find Cleaner Air: Use a portable HEPA air cleaner in one or more rooms at home. Keep windows and doors closed but ensure the space does not get too hot. If your home is too smoky or hot, spend time in community spaces that have air conditioning since they also tend to have better air quality. These can include community centres, libraries, and shopping malls.
  • Heat Safety: Heat and air pollution can happen together. Heat is a bigger health concern for most people. Stay cool, drink plenty of water and spend time in spaces with air conditioning.  Check with your municipality to see if cooling centres are available near you.
  • Monitor Your Symptoms: Seek medical care for symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, severe coughing or wheezing, and dizziness. Check on family, friends, and neighbours often, and call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.

 

Other Actions to Protect your Health:

  • Take it easy and limit outdoor exercise, because the harder you breathe, the more air pollution you inhale.
  • Run portable air cleaners, such as those with HEPA filters or do-it-yourself air cleaners, to reduce air pollution in your home. Make sure that the air cleaners are the right size for the spaces you are using them in, and to change filters regularly.
  • Continue to manage pre-existing chronic health conditions such as asthma, COPD or other lung diseases, heart disease, and diabetes. Use symptom-management medications, such as inhalers, as needed. Seek medical attention if symptoms continue to be bothersome.
  • Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can alleviate some respiratory symptoms.
  • Special measures to protect outdoor workers and people who are unhoused are recommended. If possible, find alternate duties indoors or provide fitted masks and frequent breaks for outdoor workers. Support workers to monitor for symptoms and discontinue outdoor work if needed. Community spaces are encouraged to relax policies and allow unhoused people to shelter inside for as long as possible.
  • Reduce indoor sources of air pollution such as smoking and vacuuming.
  • If outdoor activities cannot be avoided, consider wearing a well-fitted mask labeled with letters and numbers like N95, KB95, or KF94. This can help reduce the amount of small particles in wildfire smoke that you breathe in. A cloth mask with three layers or a disposable medical mask can also give some protection. Masks with only one layer, along with bandanas, scarves, or t-shirts, won't protect you from small particles. Wearing a mask can make breathing more difficult, so always pay attention to how you are feeling and reduce or stop your activities if you feel unwell.
  • Having a smoke readiness plan for buildings can help protect occupants. Plans may include actions to limit smoke entry into buildings and upgrading or adding supplemental air filtration during smoky periods.

 

Background

  • Fine Particulate Matter: Small airborne pollution particles, often referred to as PM2.5. These particles can come from many sources, including wildfire smoke, vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and burning of materials. PM2.5 can enter the lungs and impact respiratory health. More information on the health effects of wildfire smoke and ways to reduce exposures, such as using air filtration, can be found at bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke.
  • Under provincial legislation, Metro Vancouver is responsible for monitoring air quality; controlling industrial, commercial, and some residential emissions; creating long-term plans; and conducting emission inventories for the Metro Vancouver region.
  • To reduce air emissions throughout the Lower Mainland, Metro Vancouver works cooperatively with Fraser Valley Regional District, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and other agencies to develop and implement emission-reduction programs for businesses and local residents, and to monitor and report out on air quality. Further information is found on Metro Vancouver’s website.

 

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