Stay healthy during elevated smoke periods and be fire smart
Wildfires are becoming more prevalent, devastating, and enduring in British Columbia. Wildfire smoke is a seasonal hazard for many BC residents.
UBC Okanagan follows the recommendations set out in UBC Wildland Fire Management Plan for improving fire safety on campus.
Note: All air coming into, and being circulated through, Okanagan campus buildings through air intakes is well filtered. To ensure that the air-handling systems can work efficiently, please keep all windows and doors to the outside closed.
What steps UBC Okanagan is taking to limit impacts of smoke and fire
- Filtering all incoming and recirculated air within campus buildings (generally better air quality than outdoor or other indoor spaces such as residential homes).
- Monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality to inform adjustments to air intake and filtration to ensure the best possible indoor air quality.
- Working with Kelowna Fire Department and FireSmart BC to apply FireSmart principles to the campus.
- Updating campus signage and education to increase community awareness of fire risk.
- Applying all learnings from the 2023 Fire Season and campus evacuation enhance preparation, response and recovery for any future events.
- Updating the UBC Wildland Fire Management Plan (Fall 2024).
Monitor your health during elevated wildfire smoke periods
What are the risks and health hazards associated with exposure to wildfire smoke?
Wildfire smoke is defined as a complex combination of fine particulate matter and chemical gases. Some particulates in wildfire smoke can be particularly harmful as they can penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract.
People may feel mild exposure symptoms such as a sore throat, shortness of breath, and irritated eyes. Wildfire smoke may cause headaches and worsening allergies. An individual that feels difficulty breathing or coughing should discuss concerns with their health care provider.
The potential for long-term health effects from wildfire smoke is highly variable person to person. Age, individual susceptibility, level and duration of smoke exposure are all factors that influence the potential for long-term health effects.
The level of risk from wildfire smoke exposure depends on many factors, including:
- Time spent outdoors when smoke levels are high
- Activities being performed (i.e. physical activities will lead to inhaling more air)
- The duration of the outdoor activity being performed
- The type of air filtration used indoors
How to be safe during wildfire smoke periods?
People who spend a lot of time outside may be particularly affected by wildfire smoke. Performing physical exertion outdoors can increase air intake up to 20 times. Wildfire smoke can also contribute to heat stress and low visibility risks.
Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to respiratory problems and exacerbate some chronic health conditions. Living through wildfires and being affected by smoke can be psychologically stressful. You or people that you care about may experience feelings of fear, helplessness and anxiety. In addition, there can be disruption to routines, sleep, activity levels, economic and community impacts. If you are negatively impacted by wildfire smoke, it’s important to reach out and seek support. More information is provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
General Guidance
- Identify and evaluate where the potential for exposure to wildfire smoke exists.
- Become familiarized with the local Air Quality Health Index for obtaining health risk levels.
- Real-Time Okanagan Air Quality Health Index Map
- BC Air Quality Index
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- Note: BC will release air quality advisories to help determine and implement appropriate risk controls.
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- Canada Air Quality Index
- Stay informed about the hazards, exposure signs and symptoms of wildfire smoke.
- Educate yourself on the risks of wildfire smoke and how to stay safe. See additional resources below.
Wildfire prevention tips
By following these tips, we can all do our part to prevent wildfires and keep our communities safe.
- Follow burn bans! During dry and windy weather conditions, authorities may issue burn bans. It’s important to follow these bans to prevent accidental fires.
- Report unattended fires. If you see a fire, report it immediately to the authorities. Early reporting can prevent a small fire from becoming a large, destructive blaze.
- Check weather and drought conditions.
- Don’t throw cigarettes. Always dispose of cigarettes in an ashtray or designated container.
- Build your campfire in an open location and far from flammables
- Douse your campfire until it’s cold.
- Keep vehicles off dry grass.
- Keep sparks away from dry vegetation.
FireSmart™ is about living with and managing wildfires in your area. Becoming wildfire resilient is a shared responsibility across BC. FireSmart™ principles have shown that they are effective at reducing the risk to life and property in the most extreme wildfire conditions. The FireSmart™ program is backed by a vast amount of field, laboratory and wildfire modelling research. Its methods help reduce the risk of losses under even the most extreme fire conditions.
Report a wildfire
If you witness a wildfire or notice any careless behavior that might lead to a wildfire in British Columbia, please call 1 800 663-5555 or (*5555 from a mobile phone) without delay. The prompt sharing of information from the public is essential for the success of the response efforts.
Support available for those impacted by wildfire
Supervisor support in the event of evacuations:
- Contact Employees: Managers/unit heads should reach out to their employees to determine their current situation, temporary location, immediate needs, support required and ability to work.
- Staffing Plan: There Managers/unit heads should develop a staffing plan with consideration given to how they will provide services based on their current available workforce.
- Technology: There may be employees that do not have UBC issued technology. Managers are encouraged to redeploy existing technology to support those individuals providing crucial services. If there are staff available to work but with no access to work laptops, submit a ticket to IT for a consultation on options available. IT advises against attempting to work off personal devices unless the device meets the minimum cybersecurity requirements.
- Reach out to your HR Advisor for support with setting up leave plans, flexible options for employees and/or any additional support.
Faculty and staff support in the event of evacuations:
If you are facing work disruptions due to wildfires, contact your supervisor for support.
Emotional Support:
If you or your employees are experiencing an emergency or crisis and require immediate counselling services, call 1-866-424-0770 and select the emergency option to speak to a crisis counsellor. If you want to arrange a counselling session during this call, an appointment will be guaranteed within 24 hours. Employee & Family Assistance Program (ubc.ca)
For additional resources, please visit: https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health
Student Resources:
Information for students: https://students.ok.ubc.ca/health-wellness/student-assistance-program
