Sarnia Fire Rescue Services and Lambton Public Health [LPH] have issued some guidance as smoke from forest fires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec deteriorates air quality in Sarnia-Lambton.
A temporary ban on all open-air burning in Sarnia, including backyard fires and rural burning, was issued on Thursday.
“Out of an abundance of caution for the health of our residents a temporary ban will help us limit further impacts to air quality as the province, and city, contend with continued air pollution resulting from wildfires in northeastern Ontario and Quebec,” said Fire Chief Brian Van Gaver.
Sarnia Fire Rescue said the ban will be lifted when current air pollution levels have decreased to an appropriate level.
The Village of Point Edward also issued a temporary ban on all open-air burning, including backyard fires.
Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for Sarnia-Lambton on Tuesday and said high levels of air pollution may persist for most of the week. However, the statement ended Thursday night.
In the meantime, the health unit is encouraging residents to take proper precautions to protect their health, especially those at a higher risk of experiencing negative health impacts, including; children, older adults, pregnant individuals, people with chronic health conditions, and people who work outdoors.
LPH advises the at-risk populations to monitor for medical symptoms, including; irritated eyes, increased mucous, and difficulty breathing, and to contact their healthcare provider if severe symptoms develop or if they need guidance.
The health unit recommends all individuals stay up to date on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and change activities based on the readings. Updates are provided hourly and guidance is available by checking Air Quality Ontario.
The health unit said other tips to help your body cope with wildfire smoke and to prevent negative health impacts include:
• Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water; • Reducing motorized vehicle use and taking extra precaution if you live or work near Highway 402 as air quality is affected by traffic and prevailing wind conditions; • If possible, set your HVAC to recirculate air or use a portable HEPA air cleaner and keep windows closed if the temperature is not too hot.
LPH also encourages residents to pay attention to their mental health, because it is not unusual to feel anxious or stressed during poor air quality events.
More information about local mental health support can be found here.
- With files from Natalia Vega
