A special air quality statement is in effect for Squamish and Whistler.
These regions are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours. Easterly winds continue to transport smoke from the Southern Interior towards the Lower Mainland and the Island, causing hazy conditions with some regions more heavily impacted.
Environment Canada cautions that wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations and everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.
Take a break from the smoke at a location where you can find clean, cool air. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke, the agency says.
