Air quality warning and open burning restrictions in effect for Kitimat - October 27, 2026

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The Ministry of Environment and Parks in collaboration with the Northern Health Authority has issued an Air Quality Warning for Kitimat due to elevated fine particulate matter.

Exposure to fine particulate matter is particularly a concern for infants, older adults, individuals with chronic conditions (such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, and diabetes) or respiratory infections, and those who are pregnant.

Postpone or reduce strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended. Spend time indoors in a space with filtered air. Monitor your symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if needed.

Open burning restrictions are now in effect within Kalum Timber Supply Area south of the Skeena River. No new fires may be initiated, and no additional material may be added to existing fires. For more information on burning restrictions, refer to the Mandatory Emission Reduction Actions section below.

Current conditions are expected to persist until weather conditions change and/or local emissions are reduced.

The next update will be on October 28, 2026 and posted to the province’s Air Quality Warnings webpage.

Visit the provincial air quality data webpage for real-time observations.

Actions you can take

Exposure to poor air quality can affect your health. Reduce the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. Spend time indoors in a space with filtered air.

Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by outdoor air pollution. This includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or an acute illness.

Follow your common sense

Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you feel unwell.
Always carry any rescue medications with you.
Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves follow the same advice.

Monitor your symptoms

Different people have different responses to elevated levels of air contaminants.
Mild irritation and discomfort such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough are common, and usually disappear when the air contaminants return to typical levels.
More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
People with asthma or other chronic illness should follow any personal care plans designed with their family physicians.
If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.
If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your physician, walk-in clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Tips to reduce your exposure to air pollution

Air contaminant levels may be elevated indoors, so stay aware of your symptoms even when you are indoors.
When indoors, keep windows and doors closed.
Protect your indoor air from outdoor air pollution. Use a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles. Avoid models that generate ozone, as these can produce harmful ozone concentrations indoors. Do-it-yourself air cleaners may also be used if other options are unavailable. For more details, see the BC Centre for Disease Control Do-it-yourself Air Cleaners fact sheet.
If you must be outside, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to particulate matter. Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with air set to recirculate.

Emission reduction actions

Mandatory actions

Facilities with air discharge authorizations under the Environmental Management Act are required to follow trigger actions within their permit related to Air Quality Warnings and are encouraged to reduce any other emissions where possible.
NOTICE of DIRECTOR under s.30 Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation:

As pollution is occurring or is likely to occur from open burning, pursuant to Sections 30(1) and 30(2) of the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation, the Director has prohibited open burning within Kalum Timber Supply Area south of the Skeena River until October 29, 2026 4:00 PM local time. No vegetative debris may be ignited or added to ignited piles. Contravention of these provisions may be subject to a fine under the Regulation.

Date issued: October 27, 2026
Benjamin Weinstein
For Director, Environmental Management Act
Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Branch

Voluntary actions

Avoid using wood stoves and fireplaces unless it is the sole heating source. If wood burning is the sole heating source, burn dry, seasoned wood and ensure an adequate supply of combustion air.
Reduce vehicle use where possible and avoid idling vehicles.
Compost or mulch garden waste intead of burning it.
Take public transit or carpool whenever possible.

More information

Current conditions

Fine particulate matter refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with diameters of 2.5 micrometers (μm) or less. PM_2.5 levels tend to be highest around busy roads, industrial operations and neighbourhoods with residential wood burning. PM_2.5 can easily penetrate indoors because of their small size. Common sources of PM_2.5 that contribute to episodes of poor air quality vary seasonally but can include wood smoke (from wood stoves and/or open burning) as well as emissions from industry and transportation sources such as automobiles, trucks and rail traffic.

The provincial air quality objective for PM_2.5 is 25 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³) averaged over 24 hours. 24-hour average PM_2.5 concentrations are summarized below for Kitimat and nearest monitored communities at local time today: