Air quality advisories expand to Prince George, Cariboo as Alberta fires rage

Air quality advisories due to wildfire smoke from northern Alberta were expanded beyond northeastern B.C. on Tuesday.

Residents of the Prince George, Stuart-Nechako, Cariboo (including Quesnel and Williams Lake), McGregor and Williston regions are being warned to expect poor air quality and reduced visibility.

The advisories add to existing smoky skies bulletins that were already in place for the North Peace and Fort Nelson regions.

According to B.C.’s Air Quality Health Index, Fort St. John had the worst air quality in the province on Friday, rated at 10 or “very high risk,” while Prince George was rated at a four, or “moderate risk.”

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Environment Canada says wildfire smoke can be harmful and everyone should try and find a place where they can get clean, cool air.

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Roughly 24,000 Albertans remained under evacuation orders Tuesday due to dozens of active wildfires.

Two out-of-control fires are also burning in northeastern British Columbia.

Evacuation orders or alerts remain in place for much of the areas surrounding the Red Creek and Boundary Lake fires, about 1,300 kilometres northeast of Vancouver.

With files from the Canadian Press