By Justine Kelsie

Smoke from BC wildfires pushing up Air Quality Health Index

May 24, 2018 | 3:06 PM

Update (May 25, 2018, 9:30 a.m.): The AQHI has dropped back to normal levels.

Forest fire smoke is seeping into the air in Grande Prairie region. The Air Quality Health Index is being pushed up. 

Wildfires burning in northeastern British Columbia are bringing smoke, according to Wildfire Information Officer Kelly Burke.

On a good day, Grande Prairie and area sits at a two or three on the index scale, but as of 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, the index was reading at seven. Executive Director of the Peace Airshed Zone Association (PAZA) Elizabeth Bell says watching the index is important if you plan to spend time outdoors. 

“When you get into levels like four, five, six, you get into a moderate range. People might start to be able to feel the effects, see things in the air, and taste it. People with health concerns, like asthma and respiratory issues, will begin to feel the effects more quickly. Seniors and children are impacted at that point. When you get to seven and higher, you get high-risk ratings. This means we should be limiting our exposure to how much outside air we are breathing in,” said Bell. 

Plan Ahead

Why Would You Pre-Plan Your Funeral?

Apr 03, 2024

Dying away from home

What Happens if You Die Away From Home?

Mar 04, 2024

Flag Retiring Ceremony

What Do You Do With Worn-Out Flags?

Feb 01, 2024

She says a lot of wind from the west is forcing smoke into our area and this can happen with fires not in our area quite often. 

The index information is updated hourly on the PAZA website and Bell says it should be monitored closely throughout the summer. 

“Particularly, if you have children playing sports, if you are going outside to do an activity, mowing your law, or anything like that. If you smell it coming into your house, close your windows.”

You can click here to monitor levels.