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

Drifting wildfire smoke leads to air quality advisory for Cariboo-area communities

Jun 22, 2025 | 12:18 PM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — The Williams Lake and Quesnel areas are both under a special air quality statement as drifting wildfire smoke makes it way south.

The alert, which was initially issued Saturday (June 21), covered Prince George and much of the surrounding region going as far north as the border with the Northwest Territories. It was expanded Sunday (June 22) to include the Cariboo region.

Environment Canada says the affected areas are either being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke in the next 24-48 hours.

“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.”

According to the Province, the Air Quality Health Index in Williams Lake, Quesnel, and Prince George is at 5 or moderate, with 1 being the lowest and 10+ being the highest possible rating.

The air quality in Kamloops is currently rated at 3 or low.

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 81 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.