Wildfire Smoke Exposure Advisory for Residents of the Thebacha Region

Press Release

Thebacha Region (including Fort Smith – Salt River Reserve) is experiencing environmental smoke exposure from wildfires. The amount of smoke may change due to weather conditions, vary over short distances and from hour to hour.

Exposure to smoke is highest in people who are physically active outdoors (including outdoor workers). Exposure can quickly result in sore eyes, tears, cough and runny nose. People at risk of more severe health impacts include young children, the elderly. people with diabetes, lung or heart conditions, and potentially pregnant women.

You can reduce your exposure to smoke by avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and staying indoors with windows and doors closed.

Anyone experiencing serious symptoms such as wheezing, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath should go to their local health centre.

Environment Canada monitors air quality and provides guidance for outdoor activities based on the Air Quality Health Index:

• https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/provincial_summary/nt_e.html(link is external)

You can find additional information on the health effects of smoke at:

• https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/sites/hss/files/resources/smoke-warning-aug2018.pdf
• http://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/health/environmental-health/air-quality-forest-fire-smoke
• https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/sites/hss/files/wildfire-smoke-health.pdf
• https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index.html(link is external)
• http://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html(link is external)

For any community not listed, we are continuing to monitor air quality.

For more information contact:

Jeremy Bird
Manager, Communications
Health and Social Services
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49034

IHT4