Wildfire smoke

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  List of locations

  Cleaner air space locations
  Carnegie Community Centre 401 Main St
  Creekside Community Centre 1 Athletes Way
  Evelyne Saller Centre 404 Alexander St
  Gathering Place 609 Helmcken St
  Hillcrest Centre 4575 Clancy Loranger Way
  Mount Pleasant Community Centre 1 Kingsway
  West End Community Centre 870 Denman St
  VPL – Britannia 1661 Napier St
  VPL - Central Library 350 W Georgia St
  VPL – Joe Fortes 870 Denman St
  VPL – Kerrisdale 2112 W 42nd Ave
  VPL – Mount Pleasant 1 Kingsway
  VPL – Renfrew 2969 E 22nd Ave
  VPL – Terry Salman 4575 Clancy Loranger Way

  Review hours for the Vancouver Public Library branches External website, opens in new tab 

How wildfire smoke affects your health

Wildfire smoke contains small particles that can cause mild to severe health effects when inhaled. Even at low concentrations, wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health. You may experience symptoms if you are exposed for a long time or if you breathe in a lot of smoky air. Call 8-1-1 for health advice.

People who are at higher risk of experiencing health effects

Individuals who are more sensitive

• People with chronic health conditions, such as:
  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
• People who are pregnant
• Older adults  
• Infants and small children
• People who have been diagnosed with a respiratory infection

Individuals who are more exposed

• People who are experiencing homelessness or are under-housed
• People who live in spaces without mechanical ventilation, air filtration systems, or portable air cleaners
• People who work or are active outdoors 

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  Common symptoms

  People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common and usually disappear when the smoke clears. 

  These symptoms are signs to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke and can generally be managed without medical attention:

  • Eye irritation
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Mild cough 
  • Phlegm production
  • Wheezy breathing

  Listen to your body and reduce your exposure if the smoke is affecting you. 
   

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  Severe symptoms

  Connect with your health care provider, call 8-1-1 for health advice, or visit a walk-in clinic if you experience these symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath 
  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Severe cough

  Learn more about symptoms External website, opens in new tab

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  Protect yourself from wildfire smoke

  Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. Reducing exposure to wildfire smoke is the best way to protect your health. During smoky days, spend time in places that have cleaner air. 

  • Use a portable HEPA air cleaner to filter the air in your home if you are able to get one, or make a homemade box fan air filter PDF file (30 MB)
  • Stay inside with doors and windows closed, but keep cool – being too hot is riskier than breathing smoke for most people
  • Visit indoor public spaces such as one of our cleaner air spaces, which offer cleaner, filtered indoor air
  • Reduce strenuous outdoor activities External website, opens in new tab that make you breathe harder
  • Listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms
  • Drink lots of water to help reduce inflammation
  • If you have pre-existing medical conditions, keep your rescue medications with you at all times 
  • If you work outdoors, use an N95 respirator that has been properly fitted by occupational health and safety professionals
  • A 3-layer cloth or disposable mask External website, opens in new tab provides moderate protection compared with a respirator; however, simple 1-layer cloth masks, bandanas, gaiters scarves, or t-shirts offer no protection, whether wet or dry
  • Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. If you can, avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves, and vacuuming. 

  Note Hot indoor air can be more dangerous than wildfire smoke. Prioritize keeping cool when the weather is hot and there is smoke. Learn more about staying safe during hot weather

  Note Check on others frequently to ensure they are safe, especially older adults and vulnerable neighbours.

  If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or explore the resources available at Wellness Together Canada External website, opens in new tab