Update (May 18th 2:59pm):
The new smoky skies bulletin was released, showing smoke covering the majority of the province.
Today, the bulletin has also included the 100 Mile region, which includes Highway 97 from 108 Mile House to Clinton, Bridge Lake and Canim Lake.
Quesnel is still in the thick of it, sitting at an Air Quality Health Index rating of 7, which is two down from yesterday.
Williams Lake has also had the rating reduce significantly, going from a 9 down to 4.
Update (May 17th 2:26pm):
Quesnel and Williams Lake are still under bad air quality due to wildfire smoke from Alberta and BC.
According to the province’s Air Quality Health Index, Quesnel currently sits at a 9, which is one lower than yesterday.
Williams Lake on the other hand has jumped up significantly to a 9 as well, with yesterday reaching 5.
Air quality numbers ranging from 8 to 10 fall under high risk to one’s health, especially those with underlying conditions, elderly, and young kids.
The smoke is expected to continue for the next day or two, however air quality levels will still vary every hour.
Original story (May 16th 2:50pm):
Williams Lake and Quesnel are seeing more smoke roll in due to wildfires in Alberta and BC.
The smoke will continue to move south due to wind conditions, with Quesnel sitting at the highest value of the Air Quality Health Index.
“The latest hour in Williams Lake is an Air Quality Health Index, or AQHI of 5, and then Quesnel, it is in the category of 10.” says Annie Seagram, Air Quality Meteorologist.
Seagram added that residents in Quesnel should look to reschedule any strenuous physical activity, and anyone in Williams Lake with underlying conditions, elderly, and young kids should also watch their health.
As for when the smoke will dissipate, she expects a couple days, however we will still see varying levels of smoke until then.
For more information on the Air Quality Health Index, you can visit the Government of British Columbia’s website here.