Air quality advisory issued for Houston and Vanderhoof

VANCOUVER — B.C.’s Ministry of Environment and the Northern Health authority issued an air quality advisory on Wednesday for Vanderhoof and Houston.

The ministry says stagnant winter conditions created “elevated pollution levels,” which can be dangerous for some, and it suggested people stay indoors to limit exposure.

It did not provide a timeline but says high concentrations of fine particulate matter were expected to persist until weather conditions change.

Fog advisories were also issued for Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Metro Vancouver, and the central and western Fraser Valley.

The ministry says dense fog was expected to lift Wednesday afternoon before redeveloping overnight.

It says visibility may be reduced to near zero and it urged drivers to slow down, watch for tail lights and be prepared to stop.