Air quality and visibility risks to Fort St. John residents due to Fort Nelson wildfires

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Residents of Fort St. John are encouraged to be cautious of significant air quality and visibility reductions over the weekend as wildfire smoke from Fort Nelson covers the region. 

 B.C. air quality health index shows a 10 plus air quality rating for Fort St. John as of 6 a.m May 11. 

With an air quality rating of 10 or higher, it is recommended for residents to remain indoors, avoid any unnecessary strenuous activities, close all windows and outside doors, and run air purifiers inside if possible. 

If outdoor travel is necessary, it is recommended to wear masks or face coverings to protect from inhaling fine particle pollution. 

Fort St. John’s air monitoring station lists current air quality conditions to be more than 19 times higher than B.C.’s air quality objective. 

Smoke forecasts indicate the air pollution originates from wildfires burning in the Fort Nelson region, traveling towards Fort St. John and across the border into Alberta.

A special air quality statement has been issued by Environment Canada for the Grande Prairie region, warning residents to stay indoors to avoid wildfire smoke from northeast B.C. that is expected to continue throughout the next several days. 

No warnings have been issued by Environment Canada for B.C. at this time.