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Forest fires concerning Yellowknifers Public health officer says his office has received calls on effects of smoke
Candace Thomson
Northern News Services
Published Friday, July 5, 2013
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
After forest fire smoke blowing into the community turned the sun over Yellowknife blood red at least twice over the past week, residents are getting concerned.
Smoke billows from a forest fire near Johnston Lake on July 1. - photo courtesy of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources |
The office of the chief public health officer, Dr. Andre Corriveau, has received several calls from residents asking about the lasting effects of smoke inhalation.
While the smoke around Yellowknife could very well have come from fires close to the city, Corriveau said it could be coming from other areas as well.
"The amount of smoke isn't so much about fires being close or far, but depends on where the wind is blowing and how it's bringing smoke in," said Corriveau. "You can have big forest fires 100 km away that can bring thick smoke back into the community because the wind lifts it up and can bring it straight into the town."
There were 11 new fires reported in the North Slave region over the long weekend, all of which were or are still being monitored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The largest fire spanned 60 hectares of land around Johnston Lake on Tuesday, putting a lodge and a few cabins in danger.
The fire was still being monitored on Wednesday, according to Judy McLinton, spokesperson for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR).
"The fire received rain today and is not very active," she stated in an e-mail response.
She said crews had placed sprinklers around the cabin closest to the fire, which was six kilometres away from the burn at press time.
There was also a fire near Duncan Lake which was declared out Tuesday evening.
Corriveau said the best thing people can do when it comes to smoke is to trust their noses.
"In a case of smoke, your nose is as good a monitor as any air monitor," he said. "So, trust your nose and your eyes, if they are irritated cut back your exercise and stay indoors."
People with asthma, bronchitis, or lung and heart diseases are most at risk for lasting health effects caused by smoke inhalation because tiny particles irritate the lining of the lungs and throat.
Infants and the elderly are also at risk, said Corriveau.
Healthy people can feel the effects too, but as the smoke moves out when the wind shifts, there are not normally any lasting effects.
Regardless, Corriveau warned people to avoid smoke if it's in their area and to take necessary precautions to lessen the amount of smoke they're inhaling.
He also cautioned that pets are at the same risk as their owners from the effects of smoke inhalation, and said owners shouldn't leave their animals outside if there is heavy smoke.
"If people take basic precautions they're going to be fine," he said.
How to be smoke aware
What you can do to stay healthy if there's smoke in your area.
- Stay inside as much as possible.
- Turn on air purifiers if you have them in your home.
- Keep windows closed.
- Don't use wood stoves, gas stoves, or candles. They can make indoor air quality worse.
- Keep car windows up and air conditioning on "recirculate" so you don't suck smoky air inside.
- Have several days supply of food that doesn't require cooking, as broiling and frying can add to indoor pollutant levels.
- Drink lots of water to keep your nose and mouth moist for easier breathing.
- Refrain from outdoor events, athletics and working outside.
- Be alert to public service announcements.
- Consult a doctor if you experience chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath or severe fatigue - even if you don't have previous heart or lung problems.
- Check on neighbours, friends and relatives that live alone to make sure they're okay.
Source: Office of the chief public health officer, Department of Health and Social Services
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