Air quality in Maple Ridge can vary with the season and it's important to be ready for poor air quality conditions, especially during wildfire season. On this page you'll find resources to monitor dips in air quality and advice to help manage the impact to your health and safety.
Air Quality Indicators
Wildfire smoke degrades air quality, filling our skies with smoke, ash, and increasing levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. When conditions deteriorate to the point where low air quality will impact health, an air quality warning is issued.
Air quality in Maple Ridge is monitored by Metro Vancouver and the BC Air Quality page.
- Metro Vancouver classifies warnings as either yellow (high health risk) or orange (very high health risk) to convey the level of risk to the public and the actions they should take to protect their health.
- The BC Air Quality page maps current air quality data and assigns an Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) rating from 1 -10, with 1-3 being low risk, 4-6 being moderate risk, 7-10 being high risk, and 10+ as Very High Risk.
How You Can Prepare for Poor Air Quality
An air quality warning means the air quality can negatively impact your health. Here are some precautions you can take to limit your exposure and stay healthy during periods of poor air quality:
- Limit outdoor activity and exercise
- Check on neighbours, friends and family who may be more vulnerable to heat or poor air quality
- Wear a well-fitted N95, KN95 or KF94 mask as needed
- Use portable HEPA air cleaners if available
- Keep windows and doors closed when possible
- Manage chronic conditions and keep rescue medications with you, such as inhalers
- Plan ahead and identify air-conditioned places you can go
Monitor the Air Quality Index to stay on top of quickly changing conditions:
- gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap
- Sign up for Metro Vancouver Air Quality Alerts
- Subscribe to Alertable for Emergency Alerts
Helpful Resources
A home air cleaner can help keep your home smoke-free and can be made cheaply and easily, thanks to the BREATHE Project. Visit their website to learn how.
Fraser Valley Health has a helpful guide to help identify the impacts of wildfire smoke to your health. View it here.
The BCCDC offers resources to guide preparations for wildfire smoke. Access their two page pdf here.
To view a visual forecast of wildfire smoke conditions, visit FireSmoke.ca.