Wildfire smoke triggers warning from Environment Canada

Wildfire smoke triggers warning from Environment Canada

Published 9:56 am Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Wildfire smoke is hovering over much of the Southern Interior on Wednesday morning, leading to Environment Canada issuing a yellow warning for air quality for multiple regions, including the Okanagan, South Thompson, Similkameen, Fraser Canyon, Nicola, East Kootenay, 100 Mile, and Manning Park-Skagit Valley.

​According to Environment Canada, wildfire smoke is expected to hover over these regions of B.C. for the next 24-48 hours. The warning was also in place on Aug. 4.

​“Exposure to smoke can affect your health. Postpone or reduce strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended. Spend time indoors in a space with cleaner air,” said Environment Canada.

​“Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke. This includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness.”

The warning is triggered when the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) hits a forecast or measured value of 7 or greater.

​- Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you feel unwell.

– Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.

– Carry any rescue medications with you at all times.

– Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves follow the same advice.

​- Different people have different responses to the smoke.

– Mild irritation and discomfort such as eye, nose and throat irritation, phlegm production, runny nose.

– Headaches or mild cough are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.

– More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

– People with asthma or other chronic illness should follow any personal care plans designed with their family physicians.

-If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.

– If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your physician, walk-in clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

​Tips To Reduce Smoke Exposure:

​- Smoke levels may still be elevated indoors, so stay aware of your symptoms even when you are indoors.

– When indoors, keep windows and doors closed. If it is hot, prioritize keeping cool.

– Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Use a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. Do-it-yourself air cleaners may also be used if other options are unavailable. For more details, see the BC Centre for Disease Control Do-it Yourself Air Cleaners fact sheet.

– If your home is smoky or hot, spend time in places with cleaner, air-conditioned air such as community centres, libraries, or malls.

– If you must be outside, 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 health risks.

– When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with the airflow (or air conditioning) set to recirculate.

– Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.

– Always follow guidance from local authorities.

​The statement comes from Environment Canada while 115 wildfires burn across the province, including five wildfires of note, three of which are in the area of the air quality warning.