Smoke from nearby forest fires in Hudson's Hope is expected to linger in Fort St. John and the North Peace over the next 24 hours.
A special air quality statement and a smoky skies bulletin have been issued by both Environment Canada and the Province.
Environment Canada says smoke impacts are expected to be mostly local.
“Several regions around B.C. are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24 hours. Smoke impacts are mostly expected to be local, with the highest impacts to air quality near fire activity. Conditions may be variable or worsen as wildfire behaviour changes,” said the statement.
“Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. 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.”
Conditions may be variable or worsen as wildfire behaviour changes.
The advisory includes the City of Fort St John and communities along Highway 97 extending from Farmington to Pink Mountain and Hwy 29 including Moberly Lake and Hudson's Hope.
It also covers an area eastward to Rolla, Clayhurst and Goodlow.
The air quality index in the city of Fort St. John is currently listed at 8, or high.
According to firesmoke.ca, smoke, is expected to be pushed into the city for much of the day, before dissipating somewhat into the evening and overnight. Smoke is forecast to return tomorrow.
In Dawson Creek, smoke from the Bearhole Lake wildfire is expected to reach and intensify in the city starting around 10 p.m. Tuesday night.
The next update is expected to come Wednesday.
