Smoky, hazy air is hovering over most parts of B.C., placing an air quality warning in effect for Terrace and Kitimat.
Several large wildfires continue to burn across the province, particularly over the central and northern Interior. The increasing smoke has moved the Air Quality Health Index rating for the Terrace area from a 2 (low health risk) to a 4 (moderate health risk) this afternoon.
A southern flow will likely spread smoke from wildfires south of the border into B.C. A wetter, cooler and breezier pattern toward the end of the work week is expected to improve air quality conditions across the province, according to an advisory issued by Environment Canada on Thursday.
THURS: #AirQuality Smoky Skies Bulletin continued for many regions of #BritishColumbia https://t.co/6PcO6xqBP1 @Northern_Health @fnha @Interior_Health @Fraserhealth #BCWildfire pic.twitter.com/PoPX5I3mbG
— Env Report BC (@EnvReportBC) September 6, 2018
People with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, infants, children and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.
READ MORE: B.C. sees 25% jump in inhaler use from wildfire smoke
Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.
For more information on current air quality, go to www.bcairquality.ca.