Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Parts of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours.
East Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast are expected to be heavily affected. Smoke may not be visible until overnight/tomorrow morning. The heaviest impacts on the Sunshine Coast will be on Texada Island and Powell River, with a lesser impact inland. The smoke may also be visible in areas surrounding the regions issued under the warning areas.
During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.
As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
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.
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.
Read more on VIU Health and Safety's occupational hygiene website.