Environment Canada issues Fort St. John air quality statement urging caution due to wildfire smoke

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — People in Fort St. John and other parts of northeastern B.C. are being urged to consider limiting their time outdoors and keeping their windows and doors shut to limit their smoke exposure.

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement on June 3rd for the North and South Peace regions as well as the Fort Nelson area.

According to the statement, wildfire smoke in northeastern B.C. is expected to impact air quality across the region for the next 24 to 48 hours, which can lead to health complications. 

Wildfires in the region include the over-70,000-hectare Etcho Creek wildfire, the Kiskatinaw River wildfire that’s caused a partial evacuation of Kelly Lake and closed a stretch of Highway 52, and the recently-identified Dechacho Creek wildfire that currently sits at 1,885 hectares.

“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” the agency says. “Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”

Symptoms of smoke inhalation include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, wheezing, chest pains and mild to severe coughs. 

Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to limit their time outdoors and to consider seeking medical attention, especially members of at-risk groups like people aged 65 and up, pregnant people, infants and young kids, people who work outdoors and anyone with an existing illness or health condition.

Residents in the region are also urged to protect themselves by using high-quality air filters in their homes and to consider using respirator-type masks when outdoors, limiting their exposure to smoke.

Environment Canada is expected to issue an update on the special air quality statement on June 4th.