Safety Radar: Wildfire Smoke

Hazards

• Smoke from wildfires can have a range of effects, according to Northern Health.
• Common symptoms (usually managed without medical attention) include eye, nose and throat irritation and headaches.
• More serious symptoms (for which you should seek medical attention) include troubles breathing, severe cough, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations, worsening of heart and lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
• Those most sensitive or vulnerable to these effects include people with heart or lung disease, unborn children, children, older adults, smokers, and/or those involved in strenuous outdoor work or outdoor sports.

Preventative Actions

• Environment Canada recommends stopping or reducing your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feels unwell.
• According to Northern Health:
  • Visit HealthLink BC or call 8-1-1 for non-emergency cases;
  • See your doctor; or
  • Call 9-1-1 (emergency) if you’re experiencing symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways.
  • Please note that if your local telephone provider does not support 8-1-1, you can call 1-604-215-8110.

Sources of Information:

• Visit Environment Canada for weather forecasts, including air quality statements:
  • Burns Lake
  • Fort St. James and Vanderhoof
  • Mackenzie
  • Prince George
  • Quesnel
• Visit Northern Health’s wildfire smoke page.