Updated as of 10 am, Wednesday, May 17th
The air quality in Prince George is a lot better today (Wednesday). According to IQAir, the northern capital has an index of 161.
However, Vanderhoof currently has the worst air quality in BC with an index (AQI) of 318. Burns Lake is second with a rating of 288.
The Smoky Skies Bulletin from Environment Canada remains in effect.
Updated: 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 16th:
Smoke from wildfires near Fort St. John is contributing to some of the worst air quality in the country.
According to IQAir, Vanderhoof currently has the worst air quality in BC with an air quality index (AQI) of 274.
In BC, Prince George follows in second with an AQI of 183.
Original Story:
An air quality advisory has been issued for most of northeastern BC including Prince George.
This is due to smoke traveling southward from wildfires north of Fort St. John, including four wildfires of note.
The Stoddart Creek Wildfire has grown to an estimated 18,000 hectares in size, prompting several evacuation alerts and orders in the Fort St. John area.
Officials say predominant fire growth is expected to continue to the south/southeast, and is challenging suppression efforts.
The Red Creek wildfire has been mapped at 2,974 hectares.
The Donnie Creek wildfire has also grown to an estimated 33,000 hectares in size.
The newest wildfire of note, the Cameron River wildfire west of Fort St. John, is estimated at 352 hectares in size.
Smoke and wind are expected to continue over the next 24-72.
The public is encouraged to monitor:
- The BC Wildfire Service Map
- The BC Air Quality website
- The FireSmoke Canada website
- The Drive BC website
- The Government of Canada’s weather information and public alerts website
There are 63 active wildfires burning in the Province, including 22 in the Prince George Fire Centre.