Wildfire in Fraser Valley triggers air quality alert in Metro Vancouver, due to high smog levels

In Metro Vancouver and across much of the province, a prolonged heatwave has led to increased smog levels and elevated wildfire risks. The Metro Vancouver Regional District and the Fraser Valley Regional District have issued air quality warnings and evacuation alerts, respectively, due to the effects of the Sailor Bar wildfire and other blazes.

The Sailor Bar wildfire, discovered on Saturday, is believed to be human-caused, with the BC Wildfire Service yet to provide specific measures taken to mitigate the increased risk of wildfires. The wildfire has caused elevated wildfire smoke levels in the eastern parts of the metro area, prompting the Metro Vancouver Regional District to issue an air quality warning.

The evacuation alert covers properties on both sides of the Fraser River between the two communities north of Hope, B.C., due to the Sailor Bar wildfire. Additionally, the Fraser Valley Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for properties near a wildfire between Yale and Spuzzum, B.C.

The hot and dry weather conditions that began late last week are rapidly drying out forest fuels, increasing the risk of new fires. Crossover conditions, where temperatures exceed relative humidity, further exacerbate this risk. Wildfires sparked by lightning since the beginning of this month could become more active due to these conditions.

In related news, the National Disaster and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) in Portugal published a report on Monday, August 24, 2025, about increased wildfire risks due to unusually high temperatures and severe drought conditions.

Smoke from holdover fires is becoming more visible, and the BC Wildfire Service has warned of a risk of dry lightning in the southern Interior and over the North Cascades over the next three days. The warning for fine particulate matter levels will last "until smoke conditions approve." However, the wildfire service did not specify the exact locations where the dry lightning is expected to occur.

The prolonged heatwave across the province will also increase fire danger in the coming days, with the southern Interior and inland coast of B.C. expected to see high temperatures above 30 C, with central and northern parts experiencing near 30 C. The smog warning in Metro Vancouver is likely to last into Monday.

Despite these challenges, no new evacuation alerts or air quality warnings were mentioned in the statement by the wildfire service, offering a glimmer of hope for those affected by these events.