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

Environment Canada says wildfire smoke from northern Alberta is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in parts of the northeastern region of British Columbia. Geese fly overhead as the Flood Falls Trail wildfire burns on a mountain in Hope, B.C., Mon. Sept. 12, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

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.”

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

Click to play video: 'Weather helps B.C. flooding, hampers firefighting efforts'
Weather helps B.C. flooding, hampers firefighting efforts

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

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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

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