Air quality warning ended for Kitimat - open burning restrictions remain in effect - October 28, 2026
The Ministry of Environment and Parks in collaboration with the Northern Health Authority has ended the Air Quality Warning that was issued on October 27, 2026 for Kitimat due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter.
Local air quality has improved due to changing meteorological conditions.
Open burning restrictions remain 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.
Mandatory emission reduction actions
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 28, 2026
Benjamin Weinstein
For Director, Environmental Management Act
Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Branch
More information
Current conditions
The provincial air quality objective for PM2.5 is 25 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3) averaged over 24 hours. 24-hour average PM2.5 concentrations are summarized below for Kitimat and nearest monitored communities at local time today:
| Community | Kitimat Haisla Village | Kitimat Haul Road | Kitimat Riverlodge | Kitimat Whitesail | Terrace |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-hr average (μg/m3) | 15.8 | 20.8 | 22.8 | 15.1 | 8.3 |
Visit the provincial air quality data webpage for real-time observations.
Contact
Media questions regarding this Air Quality Warning:
Sakshi Jain
Air Quality Meteorologist
Ministry of Environment and Parks
250-420-6435
Media questions regarding health implications when air quality is degraded:
Northern Health Authority
Media Line: 1-877-961-7724