Fort St John sees dense fog and smoke on Friday, dust advisory in effect for Hudson’s Hope

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The City of Fort St. John and the surrounding area was blanketed with a combination of dense fog and smoke on Friday.

A hint of smoke could be seen and smelt in the air, but authorities report that no exact cause for the smoke could be found.

According to Fort St. John Fire Chief Darrell Blades, there was some agricultural burning Thursday to the east of the City and it is possible that Friday’s smoke could be related to that burning, but that could not be confirmed.

Blades also says no burn permits have been issued within the City, and to the best of their knowledge there is currently no burning related to the Site C project as the burn notification they received in relation to that project was to end on December 7.

In addition, the Ministry of Environment issued a dust advisory for Hudson’s Hope, reporting high concentrations of particulate matter at 54.6 micrograms per cubic metre over the last 24 hours.

The Ministry suggests that pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease should avoid going outside until the air is clear.