VANCOUVER — An air quality advisory has been issued for Metro 91Ô´´ and the Fraser Valley because of "high concentrations of fine particulate matter" from wildfire smoke in British Columbia and the United States.
The organization Metro 91Ô´´ says a fire burning at a wood recycling facility in the city is also contributing to the poor air quality in multiple municipalities, including Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, Surrey and Coquitlam.
It says wildfire smoke affecting the region is from blazes burning southeast of Chilliwack and Hope, including two fires near Manning Park and Hope, and says the poor air quality is expected to persist through the weekend.
Metro 91Ô´´ says fine particulate matter refers to solid or liquid droplets that can easily penetrate indoors because of their small size.
It's advising people to postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity, especially if breathing feels uncomfortable, including for children and pregnant women as well as for people with underlying conditions like lung disease, asthma and diabetes.
Metro 91Ô´´ says air conditioning can offer some relief from the pollution, and public buildings like libraries may serve as places of refuge in some communities.
This report by The 91Ô´´ Press was first published Sept. 10, 2022.
The 91Ô´´ Press