Air-quality warning continues Friday for Grey-Bruce

The air-quality warning in Grey-Bruce that has been brought on by smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario continued into a third day on Friday, with Canadian weather officials saying it could persist into the weekend. The orange-level warning that came into effect on Wednesday has led to the cancellation of outdoor activities and closure [...]

Article content The air-quality warning in Grey-Bruce that has been brought on by smoke from forest fires in northwestern Ontario continued into a third day on Friday, with Canadian weather officials saying it could persist into the weekend. The orange-level warning that came into effect on Wednesday has led to the cancellation of outdoor activities and closure of some outside facilities across the region due to the adverse health effects that can be caused by the conditions. Some local municipalities have implemented outdoor fire bans because of the challenges the smoke has created in safely managing outdoor burns.

Recommended Videos In an update just before 6 a.m. on Friday morning, Environment Canada said the smoke blanketing the area puts everyone’s health at risk regardless of age or health status and advised the public to limit time outdoors. Organizers were being advised to reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events. Mild and common symptoms that people may experience included eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, while more serious but less common symptoms are wheezing, chest pains or severe cough, according to the warning.

Anyone thinking they are experiencing a medical emergency should seek immediate medical assistance. Those more likely to be impacted by the smoke include people age 65+, those who are pregnant, infants and young children, those with existing illness or chronic health conditions and those working. Strenuous activities outdoors should be avoided, and when indoors, windows and doors should be kept closed as much as possible, the Environment Canada warning said.

If spending time outside is necessary, people should limit the time as much as possible. Another step that can help reduce exposure is wearing a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator. More information can be found at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke.

Grey Bruce Public Health was also continuing to warn the public to take precautions due to the air quality warning. Air quality at a Tiverton monitoring station continued to show an air quality risk level reading of 10+ on Friday morning, which is considered very high risk and the highest possible level. The levels have remained at a very high risk since Wednesday morning and were forecasted to remain there through the day Friday, with only a slight drop to the high risk level by Saturday.

The Tiverton station’s readings can be found at https://www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi/today.php?sites=18007 On Friday morning, the Municipality of West Grey announced that its fire services had issued a total fire ban on all outdoor recreational fires and campfires and all open-air bringing due to the poor air quality conditions. The conditions were being monitored and more information would be provided as conditions improve. South Bruce Peninsula issued a similar ban on all open-air and agricultural burns on Tuesday.

The Inter Township Fire Department was asking residents to avoid outdoor burning whenever possible until conditions improve. The Municipality of Brockton closed its Centennial Park Pool on Friday due to the air quality. The public can visit their local municipal websites and social media channels for the latest updates.

Alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada should be monitored for the latest conditions.