Smoke advisory issued for Sea-to-Sky Corridor

SURREY, BC - The Ministry of Environment has issued a Smoke Advisory for the Sea-to-Sky Corridor (Squamish to Pemberton) because of forest fire smoke that is affecting some areas. Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change. This situation is expected to persist for the next 24 hours.

People with heart or lung conditions should reduce their levels of activity while air quality is poor. These individuals should watch for worsening of their symptoms (difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways). If any of these symptoms occur, you should reduce your exposure to the smoke and contact your health care provider, walk-in clinic or emergency department for advice.

Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease. 

To speak to someone immediately about your health concerns, contact HealthLink BC, available toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 8-1-1.

Forecasted weather conditions over the next few days are expected to reduce smoke concentrations to safer levels.Additional tips to reduce your personal health risk:

• Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity – if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
• Smoke levels may be lower indoors.  However, concentration of smoke particles may still persist above normal levels. If you stay indoors, be aware of your symptoms.
• Consider visiting a location like a shopping mall with cooler filtered air. Keep in mind that staying indoors may help you stay cool and provide some relief from the smoke, however many air conditioning systems do not filter the air or improve indoor air quality.
• Reduce indoor pollution sources such as smoking or burning other materials.
• You may be able to reduce your exposure to smoke by moving to cleaner air. Conditions can vary dramatically by area and elevation.
• 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. Log on to http://BCAirQuality.ca for more information on current air quality or call (250) 952-2039.