Last update: September 4, 2025 at 9:05 A.M.
An Air Quality Warning for the Metro Vancouver Region has been issued starting September 3, 2025 due to wildfire smoke, expected to last for a few days or until a change in weather.
This air quality warning specifically indicates high concentrations of fine particulate matter. Ongoing inhalation of this particulate can cause respiratory irritation (e.g. discomfort, coughing, etc.), particularly when doing higher exertion activities outdoors. The poor air quality conditions can also have a bigger impact on those with health conditions such as lung diseases (e.g. COPD, asthma, etc.), heart disease, and diabetes.
Please take the following precautions while these advisories are in effect:
- Limit outdoor activities, particularly those that are higher exertion.
- Try to reschedule outdoor duties/activities, or consider alternates that are indoor and/or lower exertion.
- Notify your supervisor/instructor if you have any concerns regarding your health with respect to your activities at BCIT during this period of poor air quality.
- Drink plenty of water.
If outdoor activities cannot be avoided, wearing a well-fitted mask (e.g. N95, KN95, etc.) can help reduce the amount of small particulate inhaled. However, these types of masks generally require fit testing to confirm that they are effective for the user and can make breathing more difficult in general. BCIT only recommends departments use respirators if staff/students have been trained and fit tested, and only if the outdoor activities are strictly necessary.
Please attend a BCIT First Aid office for your campus, or seek medical attention, if you are experiencing any symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, severe coughing or wheezing, and dizziness. Do not hesitate to call BCIT Security (604-451-6856) for assistance, or call 911 in the event of an emergency.