Prince George choked by season’s worst smoke as wildfire haze blanketed the city

Roth noted that the hourly reading of 94 underscores just how severe the smoke event became. By comparison, air quality warnings are often considered when daily average concentrations reach approximately 25.

Many residents reported feeling the effects of the smoke firsthand. Exposure to wildfire smoke can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, while some people experience coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

“Individuals can have varied responses,” Roth explained. “You can notice differences to your breathing, inflammation of the eyes, or your respiratory tract can become inflamed. Folks with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions can be quite sensitive.”

The situation improved significantly Sunday evening when a thunderstorm moved through the region, bringing rain that helped clear smoke from the atmosphere. As a result, the air quality warning was lifted Monday morning.

“The warning was removed,” Roth said. “We’re seeing much better conditions.”

While the smoke has eased, Roth said Prince George residents should not expect perfectly clear skies throughout the week. Wildfires in the Cariboo and Chilcotin remain active, meaning smoke could continue to affect the region depending on weather patterns and wind direction.

“We’re not anticipating a warning over the next day or two,” she said. “However, we may see some smoke again this afternoon, but more like hazy skies — just not to the levels that we would turn a warning on.”

Health officials continue to remind residents that wildfire smoke can affect everyone, not just those with underlying health conditions. Roth said people should pay attention to how their bodies respond, even when official air quality warnings are not in effect.

“Health professionals understand that these fine particulates really aren’t healthy for anyone at any level,” she said. “People should pay attention to their own symptoms because we all react quite differently.”

With wildfire season still in full swing and major fires continuing to burn across central B.C., Roth said future smoke impacts will depend largely on changing weather conditions.

“The fires that impacted our region yesterday are still very active,” she said. “It’s a lot of what the weather is going to do and where it’s going to push the smoke right now.”

For now, Prince George is expected to see improved air quality this week, though intermittent haze remains possible as wildfire activity continues across the Interior.

by Greg Fry

Prince George choked by season’s worst smoke as wildfire haze blanketed the city

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