Health Advice: Smoke From Burns Bog
14 September 2005
Richmond residents have likely noticed smoke in the air. This smoke is from the Burns Bog fire burning in Delta. As wind strength and direction changes, the amount of smoke in the air changes. Corporation of Delta and BC Ministry of Forests firefighters are battling the 200 hectare burn, and have the fire contained. Richmond Fire Rescue is standing by to assist, if requested. Fighting this fire is a challenging task, as the fire is buried deep under the soil and access requires major digging.
We can expect smoke in our area for more than a week as the fire continues to smolder. As of September 13, the weather forecast for the next several days is for light and variable winds with minimal precipitation, if any.
The following advice is provided by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (Dr. John Blatherwick, Chief Medical Health Officer, and Dr. James Lu, Medical Health Officer Richmond):
- Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity – if your airway becomes irritated or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity
- Air quality may be better indoors but this will be variable depending on air exchange with the outside
- You may be able to reduce your exposure to smoke by moving to cleaner air. Conditions can vary dramatically by area, elevation, wind speed and direction
- Individuals with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke from forest fires. These individuals should watch for any change in symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure. If any changes are noted you may wish to contact your physician or visit a walk-in clinic
- Residents with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan
- People with severe symptoms from smoke exposure should go to the nearest Emergency Department
For more information, call the BC Health Guide Nurse Line, available 24 hrs Toll Free 1-866-215-4700. For deaf and hearing impaired: 1 866-TTY-4700 (1-866-889-4700).
