Wildfire smoke leads to eastern Fraser Valley air quality advisory

Metro Vancouver has issued an Air Quality Advisory for eastern parts of B.C.'s Fraser Valley, including Hope and Agassiz, because of wildfire smoke that may cause health problems for infants, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

The smoke means there's a higher level of fine particulate matter, which are particles small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause health issues in some people, including those with diabetes and heart disease.

Those people should stay inside, in a cool, air conditioned space if possible, said Geoff Doerksen, an air quality planner with Metro Vancouver.

"Residents in the eastern parts of the Fraser Valley should consider postponing strenuous outdoor activities, as well as those with underlying medical conditions ... until the advisory is lifted," he said.

While there are many fires burning in B.C. — including the Wood Lake fire near Harrison Lake — Doerksen said satellite imagery and computer modelling suggest this smoke is coming from U.S. wildfires.

"This particular event, we're thinking is wildfire smoke from Washington state, and as far as California," he said.

The advisory will continue until there's a change in weather.