Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Prince George and several other regions in British Columbia as wildfire smoke continues to impact visibility and air quality.
The advisory warns that smoke is either currently causing or is expected to cause poor air quality over the next 24 to 48 hours across a wide swath of central and southern BC.
Areas under the statement include Prince George, the Cariboo region near Williams Lake, multiple communities in the Okanagan including Kelowna and Penticton, as well as parts of Vancouver Island, the Fraser Canyon and the Thompson region.
Environment Canada says conditions can change quickly depending on wildfire activity and shifting winds, urging residents to remain vigilant and monitor updates through EmergencyInfoBC and the provincial air quality warnings webpage.
People are being advised to limit time outdoors, particularly those at higher risk of smoke-related illness, such as seniors, pregnant individuals, young children, and those with chronic health conditions. Mild symptoms may include sore eyes, headaches or coughing, while more serious effects such as wheezing or chest pain may require medical attention.
Health officials are also recommending the use of well-fitting respirator masks, such as N95s, for those who must be outside, and suggest keeping windows closed and using air filtration systems indoors to reduce exposure.
The current temperature at Prince George Airport was 22.6 C with sunny skies and light winds as of 6 p.m. Monday.