A smoky Prince George sky on June 12. (CKPG File Photo)

By Victor Kaisar

Smoky Sky

Drifting wildfire smoke leads to air quality advisory for Prince George area

Jun 22, 2025 | 9:22 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — There is a special air quality statement in effect for Prince George and much of the surrounding region as wildfire smoke drifts into the area.

The alert, which was issued Saturday (June 21), goes as far west as Smithers and as far north as the border with the Northwest Territories.

Environment Canada says the affected areas – Prince George, Fort Nelson, the Peace River district, Williston, McGregor, Stuart-Nechako, Bulkley Valley and the Lakes District – are either being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke.

It was expanded Sunday (June 22) to include Cariboo stretching as far south as the Williams Lake area.

“Smoke may be visible across the northeast and central regions of the province,” the statement said. “During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour.”

7th Annual Miracle on Third a big Success

7th Annual Miracle on Third a big Success

2h ago

Cottonwood Island Park

Fish no longer left high and dry, channel gets a lifesaving makeover

3h ago

Taxes

City councillor proposes cutting snow removal budget to help lower tax rate

6h ago

All this smoke is drifting in from wildfires burning in the northeast of BC, which still remains the hotspot when it comes to wildfires. Of the 82 fires in B.C, 62 are in the Prince George Fire Centre, where 33 of the 36 fires considered to be out of control are also burning.

At the moment, there are no wildfires of note in British Columbia as the three fires that carried that designation – the Summit Lake, Kiskatinaw River and the Pocket Knife Creek wildfires – were all downgraded over the past few days.

People are being urged to limit the time they spend outdoors, especially if there is thick smoke or if they are more at risk. People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution are the elderly, infants and young children, outdoor workers, as well as people with existing illness or chronic health condition, and those who are pregnant.

“They should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms,” Environment Canada said.

You can find the latest on local air quality here and the latest on wildfire activity here.