Wildfires in British Columbia and Alberta prompt air quality concerns. What to know about wildfire smoke and how to stay safe

A respirologist shares tips on staying safe as wildfires compromise air quality across British Columbia, Alberta and parts of the United States.

Karla Renic and Elizabeth Di Filippo
·4 min read

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

Several lightning-triggered wildfires have forced authorities in British Columbia to issue evacuation orders as the province's southern and eastern regions swelter in a heat wave. An aerial view of a wildfire burning on Steamboat Mountain is shown in a July 17, 2024 BC Wildfire Service handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-BC Wildfire Service **MANDATORY CREDIT**
An aerial view of a wildfire burning on Steamboat Mountain is shown in a July 17, 2024 BC Wildfire Service handout photo. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-BC Wildfire Service)

Wildfires in British Columbia and Alberta have prompted evacuation orders impacting thousands of Canadians. Over the weekend, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) issued evacuation orders for the three communities comprising the Little Red River Cree Nation: John D’Or Prairie, Fox Lake and Garden River. The order impacts about 5,500 people as fires span approximately 95,000 hectares in the area, located 560 km north of Edmonton.

Meanwhile, in British Columbia, lightning-triggered wildfires have caused several emergency evacuation orders to be issued, including the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, Cariboo Regional District and the City of Williams Lake.

The situation has led to hazardous air quality conditions in Canada, extending into the United States.

As wildfire season continues, protecting ourselves from smoke remains top-of-mind for many. Last year, Yahoo Canada spoke to a top respirologist in Toronto, who weighed in on the impact of smoke on our lungs and what to do to stay safe. Read on for everything you need to know.

Smoke from wildfires blankets the city as a couple has a picnic in Edmonton Alberta, on Saturday May 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Smoke from wildfires blankets the city as a couple has a picnic in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, May 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Dr. John Granton, a respirologist at the Toronto General Hospital (University Health Network), told Yahoo Canada wildfires cause air pollution that can have a far-reaching effect on human health.

Small air pollutant particles in the smoke, called the PM2.5 particles, are "where a lot of the toxic stuff lives," Granton explained.

"That's not filtered by your upper airway, that gets access to your lower airway and into your bloodstream even — and that's where the danger lies.

"That can cause asthma attacks, can cause heart attacks, can contribute to hospitalizations and has long-term health outcomes."

Even just the smell could cause problems for some, he said.

"Being in smog all day long, the smell bothers people; it can cause irritation of the upper airway, some of the larger particles can cause irritation, and cause symptoms. People [who] have chest symptoms or asthma, it can make them feel worse."

Granton said smoke isn't easy to escape, but there are some things people can do try and stay safe.

According to Granton, "there's not a lot of data to support the health benefits of masking" when it comes to safety from wildfire smoke. But, he said there is research looking into the effectiveness of filters.

"Cloth masks or scarves and things are not effective at all," the doctor claimed.

But surgical masks and N95 filter masks "tend to filter those smaller particles," he added, "apparently some of those masks are effective."

A cyclist wears a mask due to poor air quality conditions as smoke from wildfires in Ontario and Quebec hangs over Ottawa on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
A cyclist wears a mask due to poor air quality conditions as smoke from wildfires in Ontario and Quebec hangs over Ottawa on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Granton said "they're not going to filter the gases," though, and there are studies that question whether masks that aren't properly fitted would actually help in the real world.

"Whether or not that has a direct health benefit is speculative right now," Granton explained.

However, he said it "may be reasonable" for those who have underlying health conditions and those who have to be in the hotspots of the pollution to wear one.

"If you have to be outdoors and doing things, then wearing that sort of mask to protect you would be sensible."

Though filtration masks could aid in protecting your lungs from smoke, the number one recommendation from experts is to stay indoors.

A woman walks her dog along the Ottawa River in Ottawa as smoke from wildfires obscures Gatineau, Que., in the distance on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Canadian experts are advising to stay indoors to protect yourself from wildfire smoke. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick)

According to Health Canada, the following measures should also be taken:

  • Reduce sources of indoor air pollution (smoking, vacuuming, burning candles, wood stoves)

  • Prevent infiltration of outside air (seal windows, instal a high-quality air filter, set HVAC system to recirculation mode, limit use of exhaust fans when not cooking)

  • Have a functioning CO alarm

  • Use a portable air purifier and air conditioning

Granton echoed this advice.

"Most people recommend staying indoors as much as possible and not exercising or doing things outside," he reiterated.

Let us know what you think by emailing us, commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

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