Air quality in Vancouver: Wildfire smoke raises health risk across eastern Fraser Valley

An air quality warning has been issued for British Columbia's eastern Fraser Valley as wildfire smoke continues to affect the region, local authorities said.

Metro Vancouver issued the yellow advisory on Monday, warning of a "high health risk" for communities including Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope.

Officials said elevated levels of fine particulate matter are being caused by smoke from the Brunswick wildfire complex near Boston Bar, as well as fires burning across British Columbia's Southern Interior.

"Smoke levels can change quickly with weather and fire behaviour," the warning said.

Residents have been advised to reduce outdoor activities where possible and stay indoors in cool spaces with windows and doors closed to limit exposure to smoke.

Health officials said people with chronic heart and lung conditions, older adults, infants, pregnant people and those who work outdoors face a greater risk from poor air quality.

They also encouraged residents to check on vulnerable family members, neighbours and friends.

The warning follows a significant increase in wildfire activity over the long weekend.

Provincial officials said hotter, drier and windier weather is expected over the coming days, conditions that could worsen wildfire behaviour and further affect air quality across the region.

Authorities are urging residents to continue monitoring local air quality updates as conditions may change rapidly.