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Smoky Skies Bulletin — August 21, 2023

21
Aug

Monday, August 21, 2023 – Several Regions of Vancouver Island, including Sooke, are being impacted OR are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours. While skies are relatively clear in Sooke right now, conditions may change. Residents are encouraged to inform themselves about steps they can take should smoky conditions be present.

In a “Smoky Skies bulletin” the Government of BC shares, “Smoke on Vancouver Island will be variable due to terrain and local winds.”

Be Informed

During a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour. Wildfire smoke is a natural part of our environment but it is important to be mindful that exposure to smoke may affect your health. People with pre-existing health conditions, respiratory infections such as COVID-19, older adults, pregnant women and infants, children, and sensitive individuals are more likely to experience health effects from smoke exposure.

During smoky conditions

  • Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you feel unwell
  • Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
  • If you have asthma or other chronic illness, carry any rescue (fast-acting) medications with you at all times and activate your personal care plan that has been designed with your family physician
  • Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves follow the same advice.

Monitor Symptoms

  • People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.
  • 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 health care provider, walk-in clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Tips to reduce your smoke exposure

  • Smoke levels may be lower indoors but will still be elevated, so stay aware of your symptoms even when you are indoors.
  • Running a commercially available HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter can improve indoor air quality in the room where the device is located.
  • If you have a forced air heating/cooling system in your home, it may help to change the filter and set the fan to run continuously.
  • Reduce indoor air pollution sources such as smoking, burning incense, and frying foods.
  • If travelling in a car with air conditioning, keep the windows up and the ventilation set to recirculate.
  • If you are very sensitive to smoke, consider moving to another location with cleaner air, but be aware that conditions can change rapidly.
  • Maintaining good overall health is a good way to prevent health effects resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.

More information

Air Quality Data

  • Air Quality Health Index: https://www.gov.bc.ca/airqualityhealthindex
  • Air Quality Map: https://www.gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap

Smoke forecasts (next 48 hours)

  • Environment and Climate Change Canada FireWork prediction system: https://weather.gc.ca/firework/index e.html
  •  Blue Sky Canada Smoke Forecasting System: https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current

For additional general information about wildfire smoke and your health:

BC Centre for Disease Control

  • Wildfire smoke and your health: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke
  • Wildfire smoke and COVID-19: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/prevention-risks/wildfires

Provincial Health Authorities

HealthLink BC

  • Wildfires and your health: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/wildfires
  • Phone 8-1-1 (toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Worksafe BC