Air quality statement for Metro Vancouver due to trestle bridge fire

Metro Vancouver is blanketed in smoky skies Friday morning and a special air quality statement is still in effect after a massive blaze between Vancouver and Richmond Thursday evening.

The statement was issued after 10 p.m. and continued into Friday as the train trestle fire on the Fraser River near the Oak Street Bridge continues to smoke and smolder.

“Metro Vancouver staff are at the site and liaising with Richmond Fire-Rescue. Metro Vancouver staff are monitoring air quality data being received from air quality monitoring stations located throughout the region,” Environment and Climate Change Canada shared.

The statement covers all of Metro Vancouver.

ECCC is urging people to move inside, and close windows, doors, and air intakes to reduce their exposure to the smoke odour if they smell smoke in their area.

“Monitor your symptoms: Seek medical care for symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, severe coughing or wheezing, and dizziness. Check on family, friends, and neighbours often, and call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.”

Metro Vancouver shared on social media it will be updating the air quality statement as needed Friday.

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