Wildfire Smoke Air Quality Alert: British Columbia

Is the air quality good in British Columbia?

As of September 3, 2025, the air quality in British Columbia, particularly in Metro Vancouver, is very poor, rated at the worst possible score of 10-plus on the air-quality health index by Environment Canada. This is due to a dense shroud of wildfire smoke affecting the region (2).

The smoke has led to hazy skies, reduced visibility, and significant health concerns, especially when combined with ongoing high temperatures (3).

Air quality is expected to remain poor across most of the province for the next few days.

Why is there an air quality alert in British Columbia?

The air quality alert in British Columbia is primarily due to smoke from approximately 155 active wildfires burning across the province, with 58 classified as out of control (4).

These fires, many sparked by over 6,000 lightning strikes, are exacerbated by a record-breaking heat wave and drought conditions.

Additional smoke is drifting from wildfires in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and parts of the United States, contributing to the poor air quality.

The combination of high temperatures and smoke is creating hazardous conditions, particularly in the central and southern Interior, with smoke expected to reach the Fraser Valley by Friday (1).

Which cities are being affected by wildfire smoke?

Several cities in British Columbia and nearby regions are experiencing poor air quality due to wildfire smoke. The affected cities and areas (5)(6):

• Bella Coola
• Campbell River
• Fort Nelson
• Jordan River
• Nanaimo
• Port Alberni
• Prince George
• Vancouver

Smoke is also affecting areas in Alberta and northwestern Saskatchewan, with specific impacts noted in cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon.

Are there any alerts in place?

Environment Canada has issued air quality statements for over 30 areas in British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, the South Peace River, Chilcotin, Fort Nelson, McGregor, Prince George, the Cariboo, and inland sections of the Central Coast, due to elevated levels of fine particles from wildfire smoke (7).

These alerts advise residents to avoid or limit outdoor activities, with the Vancouver School Board moving all activities indoors.

In Alberta, similar warnings suggest limiting time outdoors and rescheduling outdoor events. Authorities recommend closing windows, using indoor air cleaners, and wearing well-fitted N95 masks when outside to reduce exposure to harmful particles.

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.