Air quality warning for Vancouver Island due to Mount Underwood wildfire smoke

Live view and official layers: Open our State of the Island Map

Island Health has issued an air quality warning for areas affected by smoke from the Mount Underwood wildfire near Port Alberni. Residents are advised to limit time outdoors and consider rescheduling outdoor activities, especially in communities where smoke is expected to linger or intensify overnight.

At a glance

• Who issued it: Island Health (air quality warning)
• Primary areas: Port Alberni and inland southeast areas, including Lake Cowichan
• West coast: From Tofino to Sooke may see lighter, intermittent smoke
• Overnight outlook: East Vancouver Island and parts of the Sunshine Coast are expected to be more heavily affected as smoke settles
• Action: Limit outdoor time; reduce or reschedule strenuous activities

Affected areas (current guidance)

• Inland/East Vancouver Island: Port Alberni, Lake Cowichan and surrounding inland valleys
• East Island communities: From Nanoose/Parksville through Qualicum and southward may experience periods of heavier smoke
• West coast corridor: Tofino → Ucluelet → Sooke may see lighter, shifting smoke

Health advice during smoky periods

• If breathing is uncomfortable, slow down or pause activity
• Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids
• Keep rescue medications with you and follow your care plan (asthma/COPD)
• Monitor symptoms: mild eye/throat irritation and headaches are common and often clear when smoke does
• Seek care for wheezing, chest pain, or severe cough; call 911 for emergencies

Reduce your smoke exposure

• Keep windows and doors closed when smoke is present
• Run a HEPA purifier or a clean, high‑quality filter in your home ventilation system
• Create a clean room: one closed room with an air purifier running continuously
• If you must be outside for extended periods, wear a well‑fitting respirator (N95/KN95)

What to expect next

Smoke impacts can change quickly with wind shifts and nighttime temperature inversions. Inland valleys and east‑side communities often see heavier smoke overnight and in early mornings, with gradual improvement through the day. Check the live layers on our map for wildfire status and official updates, and use the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to gauge day‑to‑day health risk.

Quick links

• Our live map (wildfires, evacuations, bans, smoke and more): /map
• BC Wildfire Service incident page (V71498): wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/incidents?fireYear=2025&incidentNumber=V71498

Source

• CHEK News — Air quality warning issued due to Mount Underwood wildfire smoke: cheknews.ca/air-quality-warning-issued-due-to-mount-underwood-wildfire-smoke-1272151

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Editor’s note: Posted Aug 13, 2025. We will update this post as new health guidance is issued.