Updated

Updated · Squamish Chief · Aug 15

Environment Canada Issues Yellow Air Alert for Squamish as Wildfire Smoke Risk Reaches 5 of 10

Updated

Updated · Squamish Chief · Aug 15

Environment Canada Issues Yellow Air Alert for Squamish as Wildfire Smoke Risk Reaches 5 of 10

Q: Why do experts warn that your everyday cloth mask cannot protect you from the hazardous wildfire smoke blanketing British Columbia?

Experts say ordinary cloth masks do not protect against wildfire smoke because the main danger is PM2.5 — extremely fine particles that are small enough to pass through the fabric and leak in around the sides. Those particles can travel deep into the lungs and, in some cases, enter the bloodstream. Cloth masks, bandanas, surgical masks and basic dust masks were not designed to filter this kind of pollution. They may catch larger droplets or dust, but they do not reliably block the microscopic particles found in wildfire smoke. A loose fit makes the problem worse, because smoky air simply flows through gaps around the nose, cheeks and chin. Health agencies and air-quality experts instead recommend a properly fitted respirator such as a NIOSH-approved N95, or an equivalent KN95 or FFP2. These masks are built to filter fine airborne particles, but only if they seal snugly to the face. If a respirator leaks, its protection drops sharply. That is why officials in British Columbia are advising people not only to wear the right mask if outdoor exposure cannot be avoided, but also to reduce strenuous outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed, and use HEPA or other effective indoor air filtration where possible. For vulnerable groups — including older adults, children, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions — limiting smoke exposure remains especially important.

3 articles · Updated · Squamish Chief · Aug 15

Squamish faces a yellow air quality alert through the weekend, with Environment Canada warning wildfire smoke will push local risk to 5 out of 10 — a moderate level.
The agency said smoky conditions could last 24 to 48 hours and advised people to reduce strenuous outdoor activity and stay in cleaner indoor air.
Runners in the Squamish 50 race are among those likely to feel the impact, while people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant individuals, children and seniors face higher health risks.
British Columbia has 122 active wildfires despite none near Squamish, and the province remains under a wildfire state of emergency with campfires banned.