Wildfires continue to rage in northeastern British Columbia, prompting officials to issue an air quality advisory for the region.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, there are currently 19 active wildfires burning in the area, with the largest being the Beatton Airport Road fire, which has grown to over 100 square kilometers in size.
The smoke from these fires has led to poor air quality in the region, with the Air Quality Health Index reaching a level of 10+ in some areas. This is considered a very high risk for health concerns, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
As a result, the Northern Health Authority has issued an air quality advisory for the Peace River Regional District, including Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, and Chetwynd. They are advising residents to stay indoors as much as possible, and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
The BC Wildfire Service has also implemented a fire ban in the region, prohibiting all open burning and campfires. They are urging residents to be cautious and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.
In addition, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has issued a special weather statement for the area, warning of hot and dry conditions that could potentially lead to more wildfires.
The cause of these wildfires is still under investigation, but officials believe that many of them were sparked by lightning strikes during a recent thunderstorm.
The BC Wildfire Service is working tirelessly to contain and extinguish these fires, with over 200 personnel and 20 helicopters currently deployed in the region.
Residents are reminded to stay informed and follow all safety precautions during this time. Updates on the wildfires and air quality can be found on the BC Wildfire Service and Northern Health Authority websites.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Our thoughts are with the residents and firefighters in northeastern BC as they work to combat these devastating wildfires.
