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20260723-aqwarnings-issued
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---
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author:
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- Gail Roth
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authors:
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- Gail Roth
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date: 2026-07-23
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ice: Issue
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level: yellow
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location: Multiple regions in B.C.
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parametersAsRendered:
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aqMet: Gail Roth
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customMessage: Smoke may also be visible in the Similkameen, Southern
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Okanagan and along Hwy 16, Smithers through Terrace.
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location: Multiple regions in B.C.
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nextUpdate: 2026-07-24
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outputFormat: markdown
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smokeDuration: 24-48 hours
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twoLevels: false
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warningLevel:
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all:
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- Chilcotin
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- Cariboo - north including Quesnel
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- Cariboo - south including Williams Lake
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- Yellowhead
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- Kinbasket
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- North Columbia
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- Yoho Park - Kootenay Park
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- East Columbia
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- West Columbia
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- North Thompson
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- 100 Mile
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- South Thompson
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- Shuswap
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- North Okanagan
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- Central Okanagan - including Kelowna
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- Nicola
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- Manning - Skagit Valley
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- Fraser Canyon - south including Lytton
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- Fraser Canyon - north including Lillooet
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- Boundary
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- Arrow Lakes - Slocan Lake
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- West Kootenay
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- Kootenay Lake
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- East Kootenay - north including Invermere
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- East Kootenay - south including Cranbrook
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- Elk Valley
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yellow:
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- Chilcotin
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- Cariboo - north including Quesnel
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- Cariboo - south including Williams Lake
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- Yellowhead
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- Kinbasket
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- North Columbia
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- Yoho Park - Kootenay Park
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- East Columbia
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- West Columbia
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- North Thompson
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- 100 Mile
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- South Thompson
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- Shuswap
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- North Okanagan
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- Central Okanagan - including Kelowna
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- Nicola
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- Manning - Skagit Valley
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- Fraser Canyon - south including Lytton
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- Fraser Canyon - north including Lillooet
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- Boundary
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- Arrow Lakes - Slocan Lake
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- West Kootenay
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- Kootenay Lake
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- East Kootenay - north including Invermere
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- East Kootenay - south including Cranbrook
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- Elk Valley
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params:
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aqMet: Sakshi Jain
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customMessage: "`Custom message.`"
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location: Multiple locations in B.C.
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nextUpdate: 2025-02-10
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outputFormat: markdown
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smokeDuration: "`24-48 hours`"
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twoLevels: false
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warningLevel:
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value:
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all:
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- Watson Lake
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- Prince George
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- Whistler
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- South Okanagan
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orange:
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- Whistler
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red:
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- South Okanagan
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yellow:
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- Watson Lake
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- Prince George
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title: Air quality warning in effect for wildfire smoke
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toc-title: Table of contents
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type: wildfire_smoke
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---
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<!--
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Copyright 2025 Province of British Columbia
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This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
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-->
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<!-- Logo header for markdown output, the layout-col should be set based on number of logos including FHNA and BCGov -->
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<!-- the trailing slash means the text in square brackets is alt text -->
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<!-- note: logos and title for PDF output handled in src/header.txt -->
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::: {layout-ncol= 6 layout-valign="bottom"}
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![Government of British Columbia logo](/assets/logo_BCID_V_RGB_pos.png)\
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![First Nations Health Authority logo](/assets/logo_FNHA.png)\
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![Interior Health Authority logo](/assets/logo_IH.png)\
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![Fraser Health Authority logo](/assets/logo_FH.png)\
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![Vancouver Coastal Health Authority logo](/assets/logo_VCH.png)\
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![Northern Health Authority logo](/assets/logo_NH.png)\
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:::
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{{< banner_alert_start title='Yellow Warning - Air Quality' variant='yellow'>}}
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{{< banner_alert_end >}}
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The Regions of BC highlighted on the map are being impacted or are
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likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours.
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Smoke may also be visible in the Similkameen, Southern Okanagan and
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along Hwy 16 , Smithers through Terrace.
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During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short
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distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.
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Monitor the situation for any wildfires near your area at
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[EmergencyInfoBC](https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/). Follow all
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emergency announcements relevant to your location.
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The next update will be available on July 24, 2026 and made available on
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the Province's [Air Quality Warnings
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webpage](https://aqwarnings.gov.bc.ca/).
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![Descriptions of affected region(s) are provided at the end of this
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page. This Air Quality Warning excludes the area managed by Metro
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Vancouver. Refer to the More Information section for a link to air
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quality notifications issued by Metro
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Vancouver.](2026-07-23_wildfire_smoke_issue_map.html){fig-alt="Air Quality Warning - Wildfire Smoke Regions for July 23, 2026: 100 Mile, Arrow Lakes - Slocan Lake, Boundary, Cariboo (North), Cariboo (South), Central Okanagan, Chilcotin, East Columbia, East Kootenay (North), East Kootenay (South), Elk Valley, Fraser Canyon (North), Fraser Canyon (South), Kinbasket, Kootenay Lake, Manning - Skagit Valley, Nicola, North Columbia, North Okanagan, North Thompson, Shuswap, South Thompson, West Columbia, West Kootenay, Yellowhead, Yoho - Kootenay Park."
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width="100%" height="600px"}
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## Actions you can take
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Exposure to smoke can affect your health. Postpone or reduce strenuous
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outdoor activities until the warning has ended. Spend time indoors in a
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space with cleaner air.
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Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke. This
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includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals,
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infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose
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health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness.
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## During smoky conditions
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{{< accordion_controls >}}
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{{< accordion_start title="Follow your common sense" initiallyOpen="true" >}}
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- Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes
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uncomfortable or you feel unwell.
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- Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
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- Carry any rescue medications with you at all times.
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- Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves
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follow the same advice.
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{{< accordion_end >}}
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{{< accordion_start title="Monitor your symptoms" initiallyOpen="true" >}}
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- Different people have different responses to smoke.
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- Mild irritation and discomfort such as eye, nose and throat
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irritation, phlegm production, runny nose, headaches or mild cough
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are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.
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- More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains
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or severe cough.
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- People with asthma or other chronic illness should follow any
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personal care plans designed with their family physicians.
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- If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC
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at 8-1-1.
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- If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or
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discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your physician, walk-in
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clinic, or emergency department. **If you are having a medical
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emergency, call 9-1-1.**
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{{< accordion_end >}}
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{{< accordion_start title="Tips to reduce your smoke exposure" initiallyOpen="true" >}}
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- Smoke levels may still be elevated indoors, so stay aware of your
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symptoms even when you are indoors.
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- When indoors, keep windows and doors closed. If it is hot,
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prioritize keeping cool.
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- Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Use a clean, good
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quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified
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portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. Do-it-yourself
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air cleaners may also be used if other options are unavailable. For
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more details, see the BC Centre for Disease Control [Do-it Yourself
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Air
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Cleaners](https://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Health-Environment/BCCDC_WildFire_FactSheet_BoxFanAirFilters.pdf)
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fact sheet.
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- If your home is smoky or hot, spend time in places with cleaner, air
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conditioned air such as community centres, libraries, or malls.
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- If you must be outside, a well-constructed, well-fitting and
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properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or
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equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine
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particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there
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can still be risks to health.
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- When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with the air flow (or air
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conditioning) set to recirculate.
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- Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more
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likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.
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- Always follow guidance from local authorities.
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{{< accordion_end >}}
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## More information
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**For additional general information about wildfire smoke and air
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quality:**
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::: bcds-card-wrapper
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{{< card_start title="Air Quality Health Index" variant="info" logo="/assets/icon_air.svg" >}}
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Provincial summary of latest index and forecast.
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[What's the air like
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today?](https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/data/aqhi-table.html)
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{{< card_end >}}
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{{< card_start title="Provincial Air Quality Map" variant="info" logo="/assets/icon_air.svg" >}}
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Provincial air quality data refreshed every hour.
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[Latest air quality
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data](https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readings/find-stations-map.html)
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{{< card_end >}}
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{{< card_start title="Environment and Climate Change Canada FireWork" variant="danger" logo="/assets/icon_smoke.svg" >}}
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Air quality maps of next 72 hours.
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[Smoke forecast maps](https://weather.gc.ca/firework/index_e.html)
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{{< card_end >}}
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{{< card_start title="FireSmoke Canada" variant="danger" logo="/assets/icon_smoke.svg" >}}
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BlueSky Canada smoke forecasting system.
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[Smoke forecast map](https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/)
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{{< card_end >}}
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{{< card_start title="Low Cost Sensor Map" variant="info" logo="/assets/icon_air.svg" >}}
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Crowdsourced low cost sensor data.
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[Low cost sensor map](https://aqmap.ca/aqmap/) {{< card_end >}}
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{{< card_start title="Metro Vancouver Air Quality" variant="success" logo="/assets/icon_chart.svg" >}}
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Warnings and map of air quality and weather data.
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[Air quality data and
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warnings](https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/air-quality-data-and-advisories)
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{{< card_end >}}
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:::
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**For additional general information about wildfire smoke and your
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health:**
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::: bcds-card-wrapper
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{{< card_start title="BC Centre for Disease Control" logo="/assets/logo_BCCDC.png" >}}
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Fact sheets on wildfire smoke and its health impacts.
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[Wildfire
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smoke](http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke)
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{{< card_end >}}{{< card_start title="Interior Health Authority" logo="/assets/logo_IH_horizontal.png" >}}
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Steps to prepare and manage wildfire-related issues.
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[Wildfire public
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information](https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/natural-disasters-and-emergencies/wildfires)
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{{< card_end >}}{{< card_start title="First Nations Health Authority" logo="/assets/logo_FNHA_horizontal.png" >}}
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Information and resources to help you prepare.
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[Wildfire smoke health
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information](https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/wildfire-smoke-health-information)
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{{< card_end >}}
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{{< card_start title="HealthLink BC" logo="/assets/logo_BCID_HealthLinkBC_RGB_pos.png" >}}
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Learn and prepare for wildfires. Phone 8-1-1 for 24/7 health advice.
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[Wildfires and your
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health](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/health-features/wildfires-and-your-health)
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{{< card_end >}}
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{{< card_start title="Worksafe BC" logo="/assets/logo_worksafebc.jpg" >}}
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Info on working outdoors during smoky conditions.
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[Wildfire
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FAQ](https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/information-sheets/wildfire-smoke-frequently-asked-questions-faq)
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{{< card_end >}}
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:::
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## Contact
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**Media questions regarding air quality conditions related to this Air
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Quality Warning:** {{< card_start width="wide" >}}
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Gail Roth`<br />`{=html}Senior Air Quality
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Meteorologist`<br />`{=html}Ministry of Environment and
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Parks`<br />`{=html}250-645-9358
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{{< card_end >}}
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**Media questions regarding health implications of wildfire smoke:**
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{{< card_start width="wide" >}}
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First Nations Health Authority`<br />`{=html}Environmental Public Health
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Services or Main FNHA Line: 604-693-6500 `<br />`{=html}After Hours:
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1-844-666-0711`<br />`{=html}Email:
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Ephs.afterhours@fnha.ca`<br />`{=html}Media line:
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604-831-4898`<br />`{=html}
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Fraser Health Authority`<br />`{=html}Media Line:
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604-613-0794`<br />`{=html}Email: media@fraserhealth.ca`<br />`{=html}
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Interior Health Authority`<br />`{=html}Media line:
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1-844-469-7077`<br />`{=html}Email:
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media@interiorhealth.ca`<br />`{=html}
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Northern Health Authority`<br />`{=html}Media Line:
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1-877-961-7724`<br />`{=html}
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Vancouver Coastal Health Authority`<br />`{=html}Email:
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media@vch.ca`<br />`{=html}After-hours media line:
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604-202-2012`<br />`{=html}{{< card_end >}}
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## Regions included under this Air Quality Warning
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- **100 Mile:** includes Hwy 97 from 108 Mile House to Clinton, Bridge
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Lake and Canim Lake.
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- **Arrow Lakes - Slocan Lake:** includes Slocan, New Denver, Nakusp,
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and Fauquier.
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- **Boundary:** includes Grand Forks, Midway and Greenwood.
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- **Cariboo (North):** includes Quesnel, Wells and Bowron Lake Park.
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- **Cariboo (South):** includes Williams Lake, Northern and Central
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sections of Wells Gray Park.
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- **Central Okanagan:** includes Kelowna, Lake Country, West Kelowna
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and Peachland.
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- **Chilcotin:** includes Hansville, Alexis Creek, Chilanko Forks,
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Tatla Lake, Nimpo Lake, Anahim Lake, and the southern half of
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Tweedsmuir Park.
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- **East Columbia:** includes Golden.
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- **East Kootenay (North):** includes Edgewater, Invermere, Canal
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Flats and Skookumchuck.
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- **East Kootenay (South):** includes Kimberley, Cranbrook, Yahk,
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Moyie, Wasa Lake Provincial Park, Jaffray, Grasmere and Roosville.
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- **Elk Valley:** includes Elko, Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford.
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- **Fraser Canyon (North):** includes Lillooet and Andersen Lake.
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- **Fraser Canyon (South):** Trans Canada Hwy 1 from Lytton to Dogwood
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Valley.
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- **Kinbasket:** includes Kinbasket reservoir south of Valemount.
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- **Kootenay Lake:** includes Creston and Kaslo.
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- **Manning - Skagit Valley:** includes Sunshine Valley, Manning Park,
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and Eastgate.
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- **Nicola:** includes Merritt, Stump Lake, Pennask Lake, and
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Brookmere.
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- **North Columbia:** includes Blue River and McMurphy.
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- **North Okanagan:** includes Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lavington
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and Lumby.
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- **North Thompson:** includes Barriere, Clearwater and Vavenby.
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- **Shuswap:** includes Salmon Arm, Sicamous, and Chase.
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- **South Thompson:** Includes Kamloops, Rayleigh, Monte Creek, Cache
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Creek, Spences Bridge and Logan Lake.
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- **West Columbia:** includes Revelstoke.
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- **West Kootenay:** includes Nelson, Castlegar, Trail, Rossland.
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- **Yellowhead:** includes McBride and Valemount and all communities
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within the southern half of the Robson Valley extending from Urling
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to Valemount and the northern half of Mount Robson Park.
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- **Yoho - Kootenay Park:** includes Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.

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