Environment Canada extends wildfire smoke air quality alerts across most of B.C., including Lower Mainland and Okanagan, as heat warnings continue.
Widespread Alerts Re-Issued
Environment Canada re-issued and expanded special air quality statements on Wednesday morning, warning that wildfire smoke is impacting most of British Columbia. The alerts now cover the Lower Mainland, Eastern Fraser Valley, and large parts of the Okanagan.
Areas Under Alert
The advisory stretches across the province, including Kamloops, Ashcroft, and Lytton, extending west to Pemberton and north into the Cariboo. In the Okanagan, the warning runs east to Golden and south to Naramata, though the South Okanagan, including Princeton, has not been issued the alert. The entirety of the Lower Mainland, including the Sea-to-Sky Highway up to Whistler and Pemberton, remains affected.
Heat Compounds the Situation
In addition to smoke, heat warnings are in place for parts of B.C. Kamloops, Clinton, and 108 Mile Ranch are under both heat and air quality advisories, with temperatures expected to climb into the mid-30s. Along the coast, Bella Coola through to Terrace is also under a heat warning due to a high-pressure system lingering over the province.
Why the Warnings Matter
Environment Canada says wildfire smoke conditions can shift quickly, leading to sudden changes in air quality. “Numerous regions across B.C. are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24–48 hours,” the agency stated. Prolonged exposure can increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Expected Timeline
While smoke is expected to remain for the next two days, forecasters anticipate a gradual cooling trend by the weekend, which could ease some of the heat-driven wildfire activity. Vancouver Island, for now, remains outside of the current air quality advisories.
Health and Travel Impacts
Residents are being advised to limit outdoor activity, particularly along smoke-affected routes such as the Coquihalla Highway and Highway 3 from Hope to Manning Park. Health officials caution that those with pre-existing conditions, the elderly, and young children are at higher risk from poor air quality.
