A smoky skies bulletin has been issued for Vanderhoof and surrounding area due to smoke from the Dog Creek Trail fire about 30 kilometres northwest of the community.
"The wildfire service reports that the fire is fairly active and smoke could impact surrounding communities," officials from Environment Canada and B.C. Ministry of Environment said.
Those having breathing difficulties are advised to stay inside.
"Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help," officials said. "If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned."
The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako has also issued an evacuation alert for an area stretching east from Dog Creek Forest Service Road to Geernaert Road and south from the Barlow Forest Service Road to the Nechako River, Westwood Road and Braeside Road.
With the alert, those living and working in that area are being advised to be prepared to evacuate.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Dog Creek Trail fire stood at an estimated 80 hectares and was 25 per cent guarded. Twenty more firefighters were expected to arrive on the scene today.
"Heavy equipment and firefighters are working to build road access to this fire as there is no current access," B.C. Wildfire Service said in an online posting.
No structures are immediately threatened.
"We ask the public to refrain from driving to look at fires as it can impede firefighting efforts," BCWFS said.
The lightning-caused fire was first discovered on Tuesday.
