Wildfires force officials to issue smoke advisory for the Prince George area
Digital Reporter
Monday, August 4, 2014, 5:41 PM -
A smoke advisory has been issued for the Prince George, Fort St. John and surrounding areas after 51 wildfires were counted in the region.
"Smoke concentration will vary wildly as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change," said the The Ministry of Environment in a weather Statement issued in collaboration with Environment Canada.
Officials are urging anyone experiencing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath to seek medical aid.
About 200 wildfires are burning across the province, with lightning being the cause of 91 new fires that sparked over the weekend.
According to The Canadian Press, the fires do not appear to be affecting populated areas, though an evacuation order has been issued in the Chelaslie River area, west of Prince George.
The City of Prince George's Clean Air Bylaw prohibits all open burning, including backyard burning and land clearing burning.
BELOW: Thick smoke surrounds the sun in Prince George, B.C.
Prince George, BC surrounded by so much forest fire smoke that the sun can't even shine pic.twitter.com/6Ccau1Mdwi
— Lorin Romain (@lilmain66) August 4, 2014
