Smoke continues to be a challenge for crews fighting wildfires from the air in British Columbia’s southern and central Interior, the wildfire service said.

A provincial situation report posted Saturday said smoke alters local weather patterns by acting like cloud cover, reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground and helping humidity levels remain higher.

The report said wind speed and direction are also affected by smoke.

Special air quality statements are in place for numerous regions across B.C., with Environment Canada saying much of the province could be impacted by wildfire smoke until Sunday.

“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” the notice said.

Two out-of-control wildfires in central B.C. led to evacuation orders for more than 800 properties.

The Cariboo Regional District issued a series of orders and alerts on Friday including for the communities of Anahim Lake, Nimpo Lake, Charlotte Lake and surrounding areas.

Mikhail Elsay, a fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service, said Saturday that the 53-square-kilometre Dusty Lake fire is proving to be a challenge because of weeks of hot weather that led to the forest being “critically dry.”

He said a total of nearly 100 firefighters are fighting that blaze and the Beef Creek wildfire, which measures more than 100 square kilometres.

Elsewhere in the province, the District of Coldstream issued an evacuation order for 15 properties in the Lavington area late Friday, along with an evacuation alert for dozens more.

As of Saturday, there were nearly 150 wildfires burning in B.C. with 53 listed as out of control.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2025.