Wildfire smoke

Breathing in wildfire smoke can affect our lungs, heart and other organ systems. Some signs and symptoms are:

Some people may be especially vulnerable to wildfire smoke, including:

• People with lung and heart conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• People with other chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
• Pregnant people.
• Infants and young children.
• Older adults.
• People working outdoors.
• Unhoused and under-housed people.

Learn more with this factsheet from the BC Centre for Disease Control to learn more about the health effects of wildfire smoke.

• Talk to a health care provider to understand how smoke may affect you and your family.
• If you or little ones have asthma, have an up-to-date asthma action plan (for adults and children).
• If you use rescue medication (such as inhalers), have a supply ready before the wildfire smoke season.
• Prepare to have clean and cool air in your home:
  • Buy portable air cleaners or make effective do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners. Use these in spaces where you spend the most time.
  • Look into ways to keep your home cool. This can include buying a portable air conditioner, installing a heat pump or getting materials to cover windows to block heat. Find out more on our Fraser Health heat page.
• Before the summer, find air-conditioned spaces in your community that you can spend time in if your home is too smoky or hot. These spaces can include shopping malls, libraries, community centres and faith-based centres.
• Learn about the Air Quality Health Index. It gives air quality ratings for communities and provides messages to help people make decisions about outdoor activities.
• Learn how to make a DIY air cleaner with Dr. Newhouse, medical health officer at Fraser Health:

• Spend time in clean and cool air spaces at home or in your community.
  
  • At home, use portable air cleaners or DIY air cleaners in spaces where you spend the most time.
  • Keep your home cool using tips on this Fraser Health heat page.
  • If your home is too smoky or hot, spend time in air-conditioned community spaces, such as libraries, community centres and faith-based centres.
  • Check with your local government to see if there are any cooling and cleaner air spaces near you.
  • Check the Air Quality Health Index often. It gives air quality ratings for communities and provides messages that can help you make decisions about outdoor activities.
• Follow your treatment plans and use rescue medication, such as inhalers, as needed.
• Pay attention to how you feel. Even at lower levels smoke can affect your health. If you are bothered by smoke, stop or reschedule outdoor activities, move to cleaner indoor air and seek medical care when needed.
• Drink plenty of water.
• If you work outside, consider wearing a high efficiency mask such as those marked as N95, KN95 and KF94. Masks must fit well to provide any protection. This factsheet gives more information on masks.
• If you feel anxious and stressed, you can access resources to support your mental health, including HeretoHelp, the First Nations and Indigenous Crisis Line Society and BC Children's Hospital.

Explore these resources to find out more about wildfire smoke and actions you can take:

• Wildfire smoke poster from Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health. Available in multiple languages: English | Arabic | Chinese - simplified | Chinese - traditional | Hindi | Korean | Farsi | Punjabi | Spanish | Urdu | Vietnamese
• Wildfire smoke factsheet series from BC Centre for Disease Control, including information on how to choose air cleaners, how to make DIY air cleaners, health impacts of wildfire smoke during pregnancy, and outdoor exercise when it is smoky. Some factsheets are available in multiple languages.
• Wildfire smoke and heat guidance for organizers of outdoor gatherings from Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health.
• Wildfire smoke factsheet for schools and childcare facilities from Fraser Health and Vancouver Coast Health.