Environment Canada issues air quality statements for northeastern B.C. amid wildfires

Environment Canada says wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in northeastern British Columbia. 

The agency issued special air quality statements Saturday for Fort Nelson and the Peace River region, warning of increasing health risks with a rise in wildfire smoke set to hit over the next couple of days. 

The statements say smoke conditions can rapidly change depending on wildfire activity, and advises people to limit time outdoors and to take measures to maintain good indoor air quality. 

Environment Canada is urging residents to keep windows and doors shut, and also make sure ventilation systems have a good filter or use a portable air cleaner indoors. 

The agency says to prioritize keeping cool during “extreme heat” events that coincide with times of poor air quality. 

Environment Canada issued more than two dozen special weather statements Friday, warning of an “early season heat event” that could see temperatures in some parts of the province reach the low 30s on the coast and the mid-30s inland. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2025.