Fort St. John air quality considered ‘high risk’ due to wildfire smoke

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John’s air quality is considered high risk due to wildfires raging across the region.

Environment Canada released a special air quality statement Friday because of the poor air quality and reduced visibility. The North Peace region is expected to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Environment Canada says the smoke is coming from a fire near Charlie Lake, called the Coffee Creek fire, as well as wildfire smoke from fires in northern Alberta.

In areas with smoke, people considered at risk, including older people, children and people with lung conditions, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors.

The general public should also reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if they begin experiencing symptoms like coughing and throat irritation.

Throughout Friday, the air quality index remains in the high-risk range in areas with smoke and the low-risk range in areas without.

According to the air quality health index, the air quality index number should decrease to the low-risk range on Saturday.

The BC Wildfire Service says the wildfire near 217 Road discovered on May 3rd is being held at 63 hectares.

The Wabby Hill wildfire is now being held at one hectare.

The wildfire west of Cameron River is still out of control and is now 180 hectares.

The 100-hectare wildfire northwest of Highway 29 and Moberly Lake is now being held.

The out-of-control wildfire near Blueberry River grew to 40 hectares.

The fire south of Taylor grew to 10 hectares and is still considered under control.

According to the Prince George Fire Centre, there are approximately 16 wildfires in the region.

For the latest information on wildfires, visit the BC Wildfire Service dashboard.