Drifting wildfire smoke envelops Quinte prompting health alerts

By late Wednesday, the provincial index ascribed a smoke warning level of 10 followed by a forecast of six by Thursday.

Article content A sweeping pall of smoke drifting from large wildfires in northwestern Ontario has prompted air-quality warnings for Quinte residents. Combined with a heat wave that set a record of 33.4 Celsius on Tuesday at CFB Trenton weather station, the conditions are creating poor visibility and health risks to those with health issues and the elderly. Recommended Videos In an advisory issued Wednesday morning, Environment Canada said “poor air quality may persist into Thursday for some areas.”

A tandem heat warning was also issued forecasting temperatures throughout the week of up to mid-30s Celsius as well as humidex levels above 40 Celsius. According to Ontario’s Air Quality Index forecast for Belleville values of seven were issued out of 10 for Wednesday during the day representing risk to residents’ health. By late Wednesday, the provincial index ascribed a smoke warning level of 10 followed by a forecast of six by Thursday.

The smokey conditions prompted a flurry of phone calls to Belleville Fire and Emergency Services who asked residents to refrain from tying up phone lines to allow emergency calls for assistance to get through. “If you only notice the smell of smoke and do not see an active fire, please do not call 9-1-1. Keeping emergency phone lines available ensures we can respond quickly to life-threatening,” said the fire department in a release.

Environment Canada urged residents to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid adverse effects from inhaling smokey air filled with particles. “As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors.

Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events,” said the national forecaster. “You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.” “People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.” For those who must go outdoors, Environment Canada suggested wearing “a respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke.”

To check on the latest air quality readings, visit airquality.com or contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks at 416-314-6666.