Taking steps to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke can help protect your health and well-being, especially for people who may be more vulnerable to smoke impacts, including Elders, babies and young children, pregnant people, and those living with heart disease, respiratory conditions (like asthma), or diabetes.
How Wildfire Smoke Affects Health
Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can travel deep into the lungs when breathed in. For many people, smoke exposure may cause:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Headaches
- Mild coughing
- Fatigue
These symptoms often improve once the air clears.
Some people may experience more serious symptoms, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
If you experience severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency health advice, contact HealthLink BC by dialing 811 or the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day at 1-855-344-3800.
Check Air Quality Before Heading Outside
Conditions can change quickly during wildfire season. Staying informed can help you make decisions about outdoor activities and travel.
Monitor local air quality and smoke forecasts at:
- Ultra-local air quality monitors: AQmap
- BC Air Quality Warnings: https://aqwarnings.gov.bc.ca/
- FireSmoke Canada forecasts: https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/
When smoke levels are high, consider limiting outdoor activities and postponing strenuous exercise until conditions improve.
Five Ways to Reduce Your Exposure to Smoke
- Stay Indoors When Air Quality Is Poor
When smoke levels rise, stay indoors with windows and doors closed if it is safe and comfortable to do so. Ground-floor rooms or basements may be cooler and less affected by smoke.
- Create a Clean-Air Space
Designate one room in your home as a clean-air room. Use a portable air purifier if available and keep windows and doors closed.
Communities may also open clean-air shelters or community clean-air spaces during significant smoke events. These locations may include community halls, friendship centres, libraries, or other public facilities.
Learn more about clean-air shelters: Wildfire Smoke – Clean Air Shelters
- Use an N95 or KN95 Mask Outdoors
If you need to spend time outside during smoky conditions, a well-fitted N95 or KN95 mask can help reduce the amount of smoke particles you breathe in.
Cloth masks do not protect against wildfire smoke particles.
- Consider a DIY Air Cleaner
DIY air cleaners are an effective as a lower-cost option for improving air quality indoors.
Make a home-made air cleaner with a box fan and furnace filter.
- Stay Hydrated and Take It Easy
Wildfire smoke puts added stress on the body. Drinking plenty of water and reducing strenuous activity can help. The harder you work outdoors, the more smoke you breathe into your lungs.
Support for Vulnerable Community Members
FNHA can support communities with access to air purifiers and filters for vulnerable community members during wildfire season.
Community members seeking support should contact their local health centre, which can work with FNHA to submit requests and explore available options.
Learn more about air purifier support: https://fnha.ca/wp-content/uploads/FNHA-Air-Purifier-Support-During-Wildfire-Season.pdf
Learn More
For additional information and resources about wildfire preparedness, smoke safety, evacuations, and community supports, visit FNHA’s Wildfire Information page: https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/environmental-health/wildfire-information
