Air quality at 'unhealthy' level for Portland metro area due to wildfires

Metro Vancouver said smoke concentrations can vary widely across the region depending on winds and temperatures. This is due to wildfires burning north and east of the metro area.

Conditions are expected to improve in the Portland metro area by Wednesday afternoon, though smoke will hover and haze will linger through the week, according to DEQ.

"When the air is unhealthy, then it's a good idea to stay outdoors when possible and limit how much physical activity you're doing outside", said Uri Papish, the agency's executive director.

People in communities stretching from High Level to Cypress Hills Provincial Park are being asked to take precautions.

Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Their advice? The air sucks right now, as you can probably tell by looking out your window.

Having an air conditioner that filters air can help, but if you don't have air conditioning inside your home, consider going to a public facility that does.

Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

Smoke may cause irritation in your eyes, throat and nose, as well as wheezing, coughing, headaches and shortness of breath, the state Department of Health warned.

Lysyshyn said VCH doesn't actively monitor the number of hospital or doctor visits associated with air quality advisories, but said "we know that when air quality reaches this type of level, that people do have exacerbations of respiratory problems, of heart problems and of other illnesses". AHS said the advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Smoke from B.C. wildfires cast an eerie bronze hue over Edmonton on Wednesday morning.