BC Gov News B.C. has declared a state of provincial emergency due to regional wildfires. Find evacuation info at EmergencyInfoBC.ca. For Emergency Support Services, visit ess.gov.bc.ca. BC Gov News Skip to main content Skip to footer Live Webcast News News By Ministry Office of the Premier Agriculture and Food Attorney General Children and Family Development Citizens' Services Education and Child Care Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Energy and Climate Solutions Environment and Parks Finance Forests Health Housing and Municipal Affairs Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Infrastructure Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat Jobs and Economic Growth Labour Mining and Critical Minerals Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Public Safety and Solicitor General Social Development and Poverty Reduction Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Transportation and Transit Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Subscribe Live Webcast By Ministry Office of the Premier Agriculture and Food Attorney General Children and Family Development Citizens' Services Education and Child Care Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Energy and Climate Solutions Environment and Parks Finance Forests Health Housing and Municipal Affairs Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Infrastructure Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat Jobs and Economic Growth Labour Mining and Critical Minerals Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Public Safety and Solicitor General Social Development and Poverty Reduction Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Transportation and Transit Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Health More support for people affected by wildfire smoke Share More from this Ministry Search Honourable Ravi Kahlon Honourable Ravi Kahlon Read Bio Contact Email: [email protected] Health Reducing health risks from wildfire smoke August 12, 2026 4:17 PM People can take steps to protect themselves from wildfire smoke, poor air quality Read More Expanding substance-use supports for people in Alberni Valley July 31, 2026 11:15 AM ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY More from this Ministry Factsheets & Opinion Editorials Search News Minister's Bio Skip to main content Skip to footer Print Health British Columbia News More support for people affected by wildfire smoke https://news.gov.bc.ca/34168 Saturday, August 15, 2026 1:06 PM Free N95 respirator masks protect people from wildfire smoke, poor air quality Share Information Bulletin Victoria Saturday, August 15, 2026 1:06 PM Share Information Bulletin Victoria Saturday, August 15, 2026 1:06 PM Media Contacts Ministry of Health Media Relations 250-952-1887 More from this Ministry Factsheets Ministry Website Ministry Photos Ministry Videos Featured Topics Accessing Health Care Health Connect Registry Get immunized Strengthening Health Care Mental health and addictions care Featured Services HealthLink BC Medical Services Plan BC PharmaCare Summary N95 respirator masks and medical masks are available for free, thanks to the Canadian Red Cross Wildfire smoke exposure can affect health in the short-term and the long-term. The best way to reduce risk from the impacts of wildfire smoke is to reduce exposure, create a clean air space at home, avoid strenuous exercise, consider a well-fitted N95 mask People are encouraged to check with their local government or First Nation for more information on clean air locations in their community Monitor symptoms and seek prompt medical attention for severe symptoms __________ N95 respiratory masks are now available for free in communities in the Interior Health region to help people protect themselves from impacts of wildfire smoke. On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is distributing N95 respirator masks and medical masks to Canadian organizations located in communities that may be affected by wildfire smoke, respiratory viruses or other public-health events requiring personal protective equipment. List of communities where masks are available N95 respirators masks are effective at reducing exposure to particulate pollution, such as wildfire smoke and smog, as well as respiratory illnesses. N95 respirator masks may be available for free, while supplies last. People can visit the following locations to get masks: Community Futures Sun Country Address: 203 Railway Ave., Ashcroft Hours: 8 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday. Kamloops Downtown Business Improvement Area Association Address: 202-246 Second Ave., Kamloops Hours: 8 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday. Kamloops North Shore BIA Address: 115 Tranquille Rd., Kamloops Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. The Salvation Army Address: 344 Poplar St. N, Kamloops Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Ask staff for masks. University of British Columbia – Okanagan campus Address: 3287 University Way, Kelowna Masks are available at the Campus Security Dispatch Office. Lake Country Health Planning Society Address: 10080 Main St. N, Lake Country Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk. Nicola Valley Community Justice Services Society Address: 1999 Garcia St., Merritt Hours: 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk. District of Peachland Address: 4450 6th St., Peachland Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk. Parm Bains Constituency Office Address: Unit 230, 11331 Coppersmith Way, Richmond Hours: 10 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday to Friday. Cariboo Friendship Society Address: 99 3rd Avenue S, Williams Lake Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Available at the front desk. Neskonlith Indian Band Address: 705 Chief Neskonlith Dr., Chase How to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke The best way to reduce risk from the impacts of wildfire smoke is to reduce exposure, for example, by staying up to date on local and regional air-quality conditions, creating a clean-air space at home using commercial or DIY portable air cleaner or HVAC filtration system, keeping cool, reducing time outdoors, moving activities indoors and checking if your community has set up clean-air spaces for people to get a break from the smoke. People at greater risk of serious health effects are encouraged to take extra precautions. For instance, people with chronic health conditions may want to review their management plans and ensure they have an adequate supply of medications. Parents and caregivers are asked to pay closer attention to infants and young children, while older adults and pregnant people are encouraged to take additional precautions during smoky periods. Available resources People can visit public spaces, such as community centres and libraries, which tend to have cleaner, cooler indoor air. People are encouraged to check with their local government or First Nation for more information on clean-air locations in their community. The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) can reimburse communities for incremental costs associated with opening and running clean-air centres, as well as extending hours of operation of public spaces to help people reduce exposure to wildfire smoke. People experiencing symptoms, such as shortness of breath, severe coughing, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations, should contact HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, speak with their health-care provider or seek medical attention. Call 9-1-1 for a medical emergency. For more information about wildfire smoke, air quality and preparing for wildfire season, visit resources from the BC Centre for Disease Control, HealthLink BC and Health Canada. Quick Facts: Short-term smoke exposure can cause headaches, irritated eyes, sore throat, coughing and wheezing. It can also worsen existing heart and lung conditions. In the long-term, smoke exposure can contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and dementia. Some people are at greater risk of serious acute health effects, including people with asthma, heart disease or diabetes, as well as people who are pregnant, infants, young children and older adults. Learn More: For more information on resources available through the Canadian Red Cross and to get an updated list of locations, visit: https://www.redcross.ca/2026bcwildfires For more information on supports for recovery after wildfire, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026EMCR0036-000952 For more information on wildfire smoke risk reduction, visit: https://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke More information can also be found at: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/node/53751 For information on working during the wildfire season, visit: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/about-us/news-and-events/backgrounders/wildfires?lang=en To learn more about how to prepare for wildfires, the Province released the Wildfire Preparedness Guide, which is available here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc Information about how to build a DIY air cleaner is available here: https://www.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Guidelines%20and%20Forms/Guidelines%20and%20Manuals/Health-Environment/BCCDC_WildFire_FactSheet_BoxFanAirFilters.pdf Media Contacts Ministry of Health Media Relations 250-952-1887 https://news.gov.bc.ca/34168 Related Articles Reducing health risks from wildfire smoke August 12, 2026 4:17 PM Expanding substance-use supports for people in Alberni Valley July 31, 2026 11:15 AM Improving access to care through new renal facility July 28, 2026 10:30 AM Connect with the Ministry Photos View the Ministry's latest photos on Flickr. 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