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Air quality alerts cover region as smoke pools
Everyone in the East Kootenay is choking on smoke today, Friday, August 7, as wildfires burn in the region and beyond.
An orange air quality warning is in place for Cranbrook, South Country, Columbia Valley including Golden, Kimberley and Creston, while the Elk Valley (Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford) and Kootenay National Park are under a yellow air quality alert.
Environment Canada says the region will be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours.
“Smoke continues to pool under the high-pressure system parked over B.C., with widespread air quality impacts throughout the Southern and Central Interior. Brief and sporadic pockets of clearing may occur in some regions today, but widespread clearing is not expected,” Environment Canada said.
Actions you can take for regions under orange warnings:
Exposure to high smoke levels can pose threat to your health regardless of age or health status. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities until the warning has ended. Stay indoors in a space with cleaner air.
Some people are more likely to be negatively impacted by smoke. This includes people with lung and heart conditions, pregnant individuals, infants and young children, people aged 65 and older, and anyone whose health is affected by a chronic condition or acute illness.
During smoky conditions:
Follow Your Common Sense: stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you feel unwell.
Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
Carry any rescue medications with you at all times.
Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves follow the same advice.
Monitor Your Symptoms: Different people have different responses to smoke.
Mild irritation and discomfort such as eye, nose and throat irritation, phlegm production, runny nose, headaches or mild cough are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.
People with asthma or other chronic illness should follow any personal care plans designed with their family physicians.
If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. – If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your physician, walk-in clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
