Prince George woke up to an orange-tinted sunrise on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Environment Canada and the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks have issued a special air quality statement as wildfire smoke continues to blanket large parts of the province, including Prince George and several northern and central regions.
Communities in the North and South Peace River districts, the Chilcotin, Fort Nelson, McGregor, Quesnel, the Stuart-Nechako region and inland sections of the Central Coast are among those expected to be impacted by smoky skies over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The smoke is coming from both new and ongoing wildfires, and conditions may worsen in areas close to active fires. Environment Canada warned that air quality can deteriorate rapidly, shifting from hour to hour and over short distances.
Health officials advise residents to limit time outdoors, especially those in vulnerable groups such as older adults, infants and children, people who are pregnant, those with chronic health conditions and people working outside.
Mild symptoms of smoke exposure can include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and coughing. More severe symptoms — such as wheezing, chest pain or a severe cough — require immediate medical attention.
People are urged to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible, use high-quality air filters or portable air cleaners indoors, and wear a properly fitted N95 respirator if outdoor activities are unavoidable.
“Check in on neighbours and those in your care who may be more susceptible to air pollution,” the advisory said.
