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284 changes: 284 additions & 0 deletions frontend/warnings/2025-09-01_wildfire_smoke_issue.md
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---
author:
- Gavin King
authors:
- Gavin King
customMessage: Smoke is expected to pool overnight in interior portions
of the province degrading air quality in several regions.
date: 2025-09-01
ice: Issue
location: Multiple regions in B.C.
params:
customMessage: "`Custom message.`"
ice: Issue
location: Multiple locations in B.C.
nextUpdate: 2025-02-10
sel_aqMet: Sakshi Jain
selRegionsIDs:
- Watson Lake
- Prince George
- Whistler
- South Okanagan
smokeDuration: "`24-48 hours`"
smokeDuration: 24-48 hours
title: Air Quality Warning - Wildfire Smoke
toc-title: Table of contents
type: wildfire_smoke
---

<!--
Copyright 2025 Province of British Columbia

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
-->
<!-- Logo header, the layout-col should be set based on number of logos including FHNA and BCGov-->
<!-- the trailing slash means the text in square brackets is alt text -->

::: {layout-ncol= 6 layout-valign="bottom"}

![Government of British Columbia logo](/assets/logo_BCID_V_RGB_pos.png)\

![First Nations Health Authority logo](/assets/logo_FNHA.png)\

![Interior Health Authority logo](/assets/logo_IH.png)\

![Vancouver Coastal Health Authority logo](/assets/logo_VCH.png)\

![Vancouver Island Health Authority logo](/assets/logo_VIH.png)\

![Northern Health Authority logo](/assets/logo_NH.png)\

:::

The Regions of BC highlighted on the map are being impacted or are
likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours.

Smoke is expected to pool overnight in interior portions of the province
degrading air quality in several regions.

During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short
distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.

Monitor the situation for any wildfires near your area at
[EmergencyInfoBC](https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/). Follow all
emergency announcements relevant to your location.

The next update will be available on September 02, 2025 and made
available on the Province's [Air Quality Warnings
webpage](https://aqwarnings.gov.bc.ca/).

![A description of Region(s) included in this Air Quality Warning is
provided at the end of this page. This Air Quality Warning excludes the
area managed by Metro Vancouver. Refer to the More Information section
for a link to air quality notifications issued by Metro
Vancouver.](2025-09-01_wildfire_smoke_issue_map.html){fig-alt="Air Quality Warning - Wildfire Smoke Regions for September 01, 2025: B.C. North Peace River, B.C. South Peace River, Cariboo (North), Central Coast (inland sections), Chilcotin, Fort Nelson, McGregor, Prince George, Stuart - Nechako."
width="100%" height="600px"}

## Actions you can take

As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors.
Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

People more likely to be negatively impacted by outdoor air pollution
should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors or seek
medical attention if experiencing symptoms. This includes people aged 65
and older, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people with
an existing illness or chronic health condition such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and diabetes, and
people who work outdoors.

## During smoky conditions

{{< accordion_controls >}}
{{< accordion_start title="Follow your common sense" initiallyOpen="true" >}}

- Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes
uncomfortable or you feel unwell.

- Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.

- Carry any rescue medications with you at all times.

- Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves
follow the same advice.

{{< accordion_end >}}
{{< accordion_start title="Monitor your symptoms" initiallyOpen="true" >}}

- Different people have different responses to smoke.

- Mild irritation and discomfort such as eye, nose and throat
irritation, headaches or a mild cough are common, and usually
disappear when the smoke clears.

- More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains
or severe cough.

- People with asthma or other chronic illness should follow any
personal care plans designed with their family physicians.

- If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC
at 8-1-1.

- If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or
discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your physician, walk-in
clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical
emergency, call 9-1-1.

{{< accordion_end >}}
{{< accordion_start title="Tips to reduce your smoke exposure" initiallyOpen="true" >}}

- Smoke levels may be lower indoors but will still be elevated, so
stay aware of your symptoms even when you are indoors.

- When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.

- When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality,
prioritize keeping cool.

- Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include
using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system
and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine
particles.

- If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting
and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified
N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine
particles in the smoke. Even though exposure may be reduced, there
can still be risks to health.

- Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more
likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.

- Always follow guidance from local authorities.

{{< accordion_end >}}

## More information

**For additional general information about wildfire smoke and air
quality:**

::: bcds-card-wrapper
{{< card_start title="Air Quality Health Index" variant="info" logo="/assets/icon_air.svg" >}}
Provincial summary of latest index and forecast.

[What's the air like
today?](https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/data/aqhi-table.html)
{{< card_end >}}
{{< card_start title="Air Quality Map" variant="info" logo="/assets/icon_air.svg" >}}
Provincial air quality data refreshed every hour.

[Latest air quality
data](https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readings/find-stations-map.html)
{{< card_end >}}
{{< card_start title="Environment and Climate Change Canada FireWork" variant="danger" logo="/assets/icon_smoke.svg" >}}
Air quality maps of next 72 hours.

[Air quality forecast maps](https://weather.gc.ca/firework/index_e.html)
{{< card_end >}}
{{< card_start title="FireSmoke Canada" variant="danger" logo="/assets/icon_smoke.svg" >}}
BlueSky Canada smoke forecasting system.

[Smoke forecasts](https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/)
{{< card_end >}}
{{< card_start title="Metro Vancouver Air Quality" variant="success" logo="/assets/icon_chart.svg" >}}
Advisories and map of air quality and weather data.

[Air quality data and
warnings](https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/air-quality-data-and-advisories)
{{< card_end >}}
:::

**For additional general information about wildfire smoke and your
health:**

::: bcds-card-wrapper
{{< card_start title="BC Centre for Disease Control" logo="/assets/logo_BCCDC.png" >}}
Fact sheets on wildfire smoke and its health impacts.

[Wildfire
smoke](http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke)
{{< card_end >}}{{< card_start title="Interior Health Authority" logo="/assets/logo_IH_horizontal.png" >}}
Steps to prepare and manage wildfire-related issues.

[Wildfire public
information](https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/natural-disasters-and-emergencies/wildfires)
{{< card_end >}}{{< card_start title="First Nations Health Authority" logo="/assets/logo_FNHA_horizontal.png" >}}
Information and resources to help you prepare.

[Wildfire smoke health
information](https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/wildfire-smoke-health-information)
{{< card_end >}}
{{< card_start title="HealthLink BC" logo="/assets/logo_BCID_HealthLinkBC_RGB_pos.png" >}}
Learn and prepare for wildfires. Phone 8-1-1 for 24/7 health advice.

[Wildfires and your
health](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/health-features/wildfires-and-your-health)
{{< card_end >}}
{{< card_start title="Worksafe BC" logo="/assets/logo_worksafebc.jpg" >}}
Info on working outdoors during smoky conditions.

[Wildfire
FAQ](https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/information-sheets/wildfire-smoke-frequently-asked-questions-faq)
{{< card_end >}}
:::

## Contact

**Media and public inquiries regarding air quality and the Air Quality
Warning for wildfire smoke:**

{{< card_start width="wide" >}} Gavin King`<br />`{=html}Senior Air
Quality Meteorologist`<br />`{=html}Ministry of Environment and
Parks`<br />`{=html}250-312-6798 {{< card_end >}}

**Media questions regarding health implications of wildfires:**

{{< card_start width="wide" >}} First Nations Health
Authority`<br />`{=html}Environmental Public Health Services or Main
FNHA Line: 604-693-6500 `<br />`{=html}After Hours:
1-844-666-0711`<br />`{=html}Email:
Ephs.afterhours@fnha.ca`<br />`{=html}Media line:
604-831-4898`<br />`{=html}

Interior Health Authority`<br />`{=html}Media line:
1-844-469-7077`<br />`{=html}Email:
media@interiorhealth.ca`<br />`{=html}

Northern Health Authority`<br />`{=html}Media Line:
1-877-961-7724`<br />`{=html}

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority`<br />`{=html}Email:
media@vch.ca`<br />`{=html}After-hours media line:
604-202-2012`<br />`{=html}

Vancouver Island Health Authority`<br />`{=html}Dominic Abassi:
250-755-7966 (Dominic.abassi@viha.ca)`<br />`{=html}Andrew Leyne:
250-370-8908 (Andrew.leyne@viha.ca)`<br />`{=html}After-hours media
line: 250-716-7750`<br />`{=html} {{< card_end >}}

## Regions included under this Air Quality Warning

- B.C. North Peace River: includes the City of Fort St John and all
communities along Hwy 97 extending from Farmington to Pink Mountain;
Hwy 29 including Moberly Lake, Hudson's Hope; also includes Rolla,
Clayhurst and Goodlow.
- B.C. South Peace River: includes Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Pouce
Coupe, and Tumbler Ridge.
- Cariboo (North): includes Quesnel, Wells and Bowron Lake Park.
- Central Coast (inland sections): includes Bella Coola, Hagensborg,
Firvale, and Stuie.
- Chilcotin: includes Hansville, Alexis Creek, Chilanko Forks, Tatla
Lake, Nimpo Lake, Anahim Lake, and the southern half of Tweedsmuir
Park.
- Fort Nelson: includes Fort Nelson, Muskwa, Prophet River,
Buckinghorse River, Sikanni Chief, and Hwy 77 north to the Yukon
border.
- McGregor: includes the northern end of the Robson Valley extending
from Hansard to Dome Creek; extends north to Monkman Park.
- Prince George: includes the City of Prince George, Hwy 16 Bednesti
to Upper Fraser, and Hwy 97 Hixon to the south end of McLeod Lake.
- Stuart - Nechako: includes Fraser Lake, Fort Fraser, Vanderhoof,
Fort St James, and Tachie.
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