A burn ban on open fires may remain in place on Vancouver Island, but the region has no shortage of wood smoke.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy has teamed with Island Health to issue a smoky skies bulletin for the Parksville Qualicum Beach region Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. The bulletin covers most of Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands.
In a written release, the ministry said smoke has moved into the area from fires burning in Washington State and the Interior of B.C. Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change.
Exposure to increased smoke concentrations is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, Island Health added in the release. Those at risk should avoid strenuous activities and prolonged exposure to smoke.
Individuals who experience any of the following symptoms, should contact their health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways. Should symptoms develop (such as an irritated throat or cough) individuals may wish to consider limiting their activity and exposure.
This is the second smoky skies bulletin issues for Vancouver Island this summer, and comes almost a month after the previous bulletin was cancelled.
This advisory will remain in effect until further notice, the ministry stated. Tips to reduce your personal health risk: People with symptoms should go to their health care provider, walk in clinic or emergency department depending on severity of symptoms. Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity — if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity. Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids. Smoke levels may be lower indoors, however levels of smoke particles will still be increased. If you stay indoors, be aware of your symptoms.
Residents can stay informed of air quality and the air quality health index for their area by visiting www.bcairquality.ca.
For general information about smoke and your health, contact HealthLink BC available toll free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 8-1-1, or via the web at: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kbaltindex.asp.
—Ministry of Environment/Island Health release