Well, that was unexpected... WILDFIRE SMOKE ADVISORY NORTH EASTERN BC AND OMINECA REGIONS July 18, 2014 – Kamloops The Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Northern Health Authority has issued a Smoke Advisory for the Omineca Region and North East of BC because of wildfire fire smoke that is affecting this area. The communities included in this advisory are: Quesnel, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Makenzie, Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Fort Nelson. The change in weather is bringing relief from high smoke levels to many communities in the area. However, the fires are still active and periods of smoke my still affect communities throughout the area. Smoke levels can change rapidly, and there may be large variations over short distances. Since last evening the communities of Quesnel, Prince George have experienced fluctuations from seasonal levels of 5 to 10 micrograms per cubic metre, up to several hundred micrograms per cubic meter. Smoke transport models suggest that smoke from the active fires is still moving in a generally Easterly direction and some communities may experience elevated levels. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways. If you are experiencing symptoms, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially along busy traffic corridors. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease. For more information on current air quality, see: bcairquality.ca Residents with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan. Pay attention to local air quality reports, air quality may be poor even though smoke may not be visible. Commercially available HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters can further reduce poor indoor air quality near the device. Maintaining good overall health is a good way to prevent health effects resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution. For general information about smoke and your health, contact HealthLink BC available toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 8-1-1, or via the web at: healthlinkbc.ca/kbaltindex.asp. Real-time air quality information in Fort St. John and other communities in B.C. is available at bcairquality.ca. For information on the effects of air quality on persons with respiratory or cardiac illnesses please contact Northern Health at (250) 565- 2150 or for helpful information and other resources related to air quality visit Northern Health’s website northernhealth.ca/YourHealth/HealthAlerts/EmergencyInfoForestFires.aspx Food safety and water quality tips: During a forest fire, its also important to be aware of health risks associated with food safety in power outages and water quality. Interior Healths website contains helpful information and other resources related to forest fire smoke exposure / air quality, as well as food safety when the power is out and ensuring your drinking water is safe. Additional Information: For information on particulate matter levels, please check the Ministry’s website at bcairquality.ca. This Air Quality Advisory is expected to be in effect at least until tomorrow, with an update to be provided at tomorrow morning.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 20:51:28 +0000
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