Nicola Valley now under Orange Air Quality Alert

Environment Canada has placed the Nicola Valley region under a Orange Air Quality Warning as the smoke from the Brunswick Creek Complex of wildfires continues to billow into the community.

The complex which includes the Brunswick Creek, Ainslie Creek and Anderson River is still listed as out-of-control with more than 21,000 ha of land scorched in the Boston Bar region and placing communities and people on evacuation alerts throughout the area.

There are three color classifications issued by Environment Canada,

YELLOW

• Hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts
• Impacts are moderate, localized and/or short-term
• Yellow alerts are the most common

ORANGE

• Severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts
• Impacts are major, widespread and/or may last a few days
• Orange alerts are uncommon

RED

• Very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption
• Impacts are extensive, widespread, and prolonged
• Red alerts are rare

During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour. Monitor the situation for any wildfires near your area at EmergencyInfoBC (https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/). Follow all emergency announcements relevant to your location.

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.

More to come…