Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Air Filters: Building community resilience to reduce fire smoke exposure.
In recent years, British Columbia has experienced a dramatic rise in the number and severity of wildfires, with average annual fire activity now surpassing previous records. Many of our worst wildfire seasons have occurred within the last five years, largely due to climate change and land use practices that have created landscapes more prone to burning. These wildfires pose serious risks to public health, especially through exposure to smoke, which can significantly affect the well-being of communities—both those close to the fires and those further away, as smoke can travel long distances depending on weather patterns.
Here in Golden, the summer we experienced last year was particularly difficult, with smoke-filled skies becoming a frequent reality. In response, this DIY air filter workshop aims to empower our community with simple, affordable tools to improve indoor air quality during wildfire season. By building our own air filters, we can take proactive steps to protect ourselves and each other from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.
Come and build your very own home air purifier. In an effort to make this opportunity as accessible as possible for the community, all equipment will be provided for a minimal $10 fee. The real cost of the equipment you will be taking home is $100+ per person. If you would like to boost your contribution towards this cost, donations on the day will be accepted.
There are limited spaces available so we encourage you to register early to secure your spot!
This is a pilot project that we may run again if there is community interest, so do let us know if this is something you would like to participate in but can’t make it this time around. Feel free to get in touch anytime at goldenairquality@wildsight.ca.
Thank you to our funders; BC Lung Foundation and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District for making this community event possible.
