Wildfires and Smoke in British Columbia and Washington State

Location: British Columbia and Washington State

Description: Wildfire smoke is a growing source of air pollution, largely driven by increasing temperatures, a longer snow-free season(s), changes in precipitation levels, the change and drying of vegetation and increased frequency of lightning. In British Columbia, the year 2017 was declared the biggest smoke year ever, but 2018 may prove to exceed 2017. Smoke is a respiratory irritant and there is a well established relationship between poor air quality and increased hospitalization for cardiovascular and respiratory events (Henderson et al 2011, Elliott et al 2013, and Yao et al 2016). Tracking the range of wildfire smoke is important for identifying communities that are impacted, and the vulnerability to smoke. It is the first step towards developing effective interventions to provide adequate refuge and care for residents suffering from harmful levels of wildfire smoke.

Observing Protocols: Observers are asked to share observations of wildfire smoke events when they occur, and to share images and comments about the severity, duration and impacts of smoke on their community.

Inputs: LEO Network Observations

Outputs: LEO Network observations will be added to the project map. Observations will be used to identify and evaluate community vulnerability to wildfire smoke and for evaluation of potential prevention and adaptation measures.

Webinar on Wildfire Smoke and Health in BC (Video recording): Kathleen McLean, Environmental Health Scientist with BC Centre for Disease Control presented a LEO Network BC Monthly Webinar on Wildfire Smoke and Health in BC on 26 September 2017.

Resources:

BC Air Quality Health Index

Current BC Air Data Map

FireWork smoke forecasting model

BlueSky Canada Smoke Forecasting System Smoke Forecast models for Western Canada

BC Air Data Archive Website

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