Forest fires and air quality

During active wildfire seasons, smoke from forest fires can become the largest source of air pollution in the province.

Fires can have extreme impacts on local air quality, visibility and human health.

Emissions from forest fires can travel large distances and produce harmful effects far away from the fire location.

Forest fire smoke includes pollutants such as:

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
• Carbon monoxide
• Nitrogen oxides
• Volatile organic compounds

British Columbia partners with provincial and federal agencies and the University of British Columbia (UBC) to produce smoke forecasts through the Blue Sky Canada System (PDF, 276KB). These forecasts predict ground level concentrations of fine particulate matter up to 48 hours in the future. Forecasts are available during the summer forest fire season.

Visit FireSmoke Canada for current forecast information.

Protect yourself from wildfire smoke

During fire season, Smoky Skies Bulletins are issued to notify the public when wildfire smoke is likely to affect their region in the next 24 to 48 hours.

A Smoky Skies Bulletin is issued and updated based on available information from air quality monitoring stations, smoke forecast models, weather forecasts, satellite pictures and other observations.

Smoky Skies Bulletins link to resources from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and health authorities that provide advice on minimizing the health impact of wildfire smoke. You can subscribe to receive Smoky Skies Bulletins via text message and email.

British Columbians can also check the current Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in their community to understand the health impacts of the current and forecast air quality.

In communities where the AQHI is not available, residents can look at measured levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). High levels of PM2.5 are a strong indicator of wildfire smoke.

During wildfire smoke, reducing your exposure to smoke is the best way to protect your health.

Options to reduce exposure include:

• Spending more time in indoor air-conditioned spaces
• Reducing strenuous outdoor exercise, and
• Filtering the air in your home

The BCCDC provides detailed guidance on all aspects of wildfire smoke, including:

• Preparations before the wildfire season
• Using the AQHI
• Exercise and smoke, and
• Using portable air cleaners

In addition to the BCCDC, each of B.C.’s health authorities provides information on wildfire smoke.