People in Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound and the Central Coast are advised to take it easy this week when it comes to strenuous outdoor activities.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) issued a smokey skies bulletin for the region after wind conditions carried smoke from wildfires burning in the B.C. interior towards the coast.
This follows an air quality advisory that was issued on Monday for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
WATCH: Haze from B.C. wildfires blankets Metro Vancouver
The Ministry of Environment and VCH said smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour, and temperature change.
In an effort to minimize the impact of the smokey skies, VCH said to consider avoiding heavy activities outside and if you do experience any symptoms like: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or sudden onset of cough or irritation of the airways, to get to your doctor.
Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and anyone with underlying medical conditions like diabetes and lung or heart disease.
Tips for staying cool
- Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity – if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
- Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
- Smoke levels may be lower indoors, however levels of smoke particles will still be increased. If you stay indoors, be aware of your symptoms.
- Consider visiting a location like a shopping mall with cooler filtered air. Keep in mind that staying indoors may help you stay cool and provide some relief from the smoke, however many air conditioning systems do not filter the air or improve indoor air quality.
- Reduce indoor pollution sources such as smoking or burning other materials.
- You may be able to reduce your exposure to smoke by moving to cleaner air. Conditions can vary dramatically by area and elevation.
- Residents with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan.
City of Vancouver ramps up support to deal with extreme heat
The City of Vancouver outlined their plans on how they will deal with the heat wave that’s set to push temperatures to record highs this week.
“The City is bracing for extreme weather,” Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said.
“This is an unusual combination for Vancouver… a combination of weather and smoke from the forest fire which is particularly troubling this week.”
Robertson said the City is ramping up their efforts to make sure support is in place for everyone, especially those who are vulnerable – pregnant women, the homeless, seniors and kids – during the expected heat wave.
WATCH: Here’s how Metro Vancouver work crews handle the heat
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS) Chief Darrell Reid said they will be taking several steps over the coming days to help mitigate the hot weather. They include additional water fountains, the opening of cooling centres, and providing water and sunscreen for homeless people at community centres.
The City’s housing operations will also have a hot weather support plan for tenants. If lobbies or cool areas are not available, tenants will be encouraged to head to nearby cooling centre, water pool or spray park.
PHOTOS: Wildfires blanket B.C. in smoke and haze
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