The B.C. environment ministry and Northern Health have issued an air quality advisory for Prince George.
The advisory comes after readings for fine particulate reached levels considered to be a health hazard for those with respiratory or cardiac troubles.
"Based on the air quality data, the high levels are mainly due to long range transport of smoke from open burning west of Vanderhoof with some contribution from with local wood smoke and emissions from industry," officials said in a statement issued at 2:40 p.m. today.
An advisory was issued for Vanderhoof this morning and remained in effect as of 3 p.m.
As of 2 p.m. in Prince George, the readings for fine particulate were 25 micrograms per cubic metre, the level where air quality can be a problem for some, at Plaza 400 downtown and 24 at College Heights.
For coarse particulate, the levels were 30 at Plaza 400, 27 at College Heights and 29 at the BCR Industrial site. Levels of 50 are considered unsafe.
The advisory is expected to remain in place overnight.
"A high pressure ridge moving over the area may result in pollutants remaining high overnight. Levels are expected to improve by tomorrow afternoon.," officials said.
