Orange air quality alert issued as wildfire smoke blankets parts of B.C.

Officials have upgraded air quality warnings for multiple parts of southern and central British Columbia due to wildfire smoke. 

The southern Fraser Canyon, Manning – Skagit Valley, 100 Mile, South Thompson, Nicola and Similkameen regions were under an orange air quality warning Wednesday, up from a yellow rating the day before. 

Environment Canada said orange warnings are uncommon and indicate possible significant health impacts.

“Avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended. Stay indoors in a space with cleaner air,” said the warning issued by the province.  

Other parts of the southern and central Interior were under a yellow warning on Wednesday, including the northern Fraser Canyon, southern Cariboo, North Thompson, Shuswap, Okanagan, Boundary and West Kootenay regions. 

Metro Vancouver also issued a yellow air quality warning for Metro Vancouver and the Central Fraser Valley. 

Environment Canada says a yellow warning means smoke could have health impacts, but it’s expected to be moderate and short-term. 

The heavy smoke is expected to linger in the regions for the next 24 to 48 hours. 

The B.C. Centre for Disease Control says some people are more likely to be impacted by smoke, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with health conditions. 

Symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure can include sore throat, eye irritation, runny nose, wheezing and headaches.

Officials said people should seek medical help if they have serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pains and severe cough.