Houston is now included in the ‘smoky skies bulletin’ issued last week by the province and Northern Health.
This bulletin will remain in effect until further notice and the public is asked to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Smoke originating from large wildfires south of Vanderhoof and west of Quesnel has been visible in the Nadina Fire Zone and in areas around Houston. This smoke is expected to linger in the area for the next few days.
Although the fire danger rating in Houston is “high,” there are currently no active wildfires in the Lakes District area.
The wildfire that is closest to the Nadina Fire Zone is burning east of Lucas Lake in the Prince George Fire Centre, in a remote area about 92 km southeast of Burns Lake. This wildfire has been burning since July 8, and as of the afternoon of Aug. 8, this fire had burned about 6400 hectares.
According to Olivia Pojar, information officer with the Northwest Fire Centre, there was a false report of a wildfire near McKilligan Road south of Houston over the long weekend.
“A crew went to the area reported and did not find a fire,” she said.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reminds the public that all types of open burning, including campfires, are prohibited throughout the Northwest Fire Centre.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider.