A special air quality statement issued on the weekend by Environment Canada remained in effect Friday, Aug. 16.
Smoky air, which can affect human health, has been hovering over Prince George all week.
The heaviest smoke is expected in the vicinity of the Oosta Lake fires (southern portion of the Lakes District) and south into the Chilcotin, Environment Canada reports. The area impacted within the Bulkley Valley region is confined to the southeastern portion (including Granisle). Hazy conditions will be visible throughout much of the southeastern quarter of the province.
Prince George can expect a high of 21 C Friday with a mix of sun and cloud and a 30 per cent chance of showers. For the BCNE weekend, look for highs of 22 C (and sunny) Saturday and 22 C (and cloudy) Sunday.
People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke include seniors, pregnant people, smokers, infants and young children, people who work outdoors, people involved in strenuous outdoor exercise and people with an existing illness or chronic health condition.
Those who are more likely to be impacted should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors or seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms, the weather agency recommends.
- Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke
- Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air purifier that can filter fine particles.
- When spending time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke.
- Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health.
- Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.
- Take care of your mental health.
- Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.
Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.
For more information on current air quality, visit gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.
Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
