Wildfire smoke intensifies over Simcoe County
The shifting winds late Thursday morning are predicted to push high levels of air pollution over the City of Barrie and surrounding areas from smoke emanating from wildfires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario.
The smoke plumes from forest fires put everyone's health at risk, says Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's Dr. Emil Prikryl, even at low concentrations.
"There can be mild symptoms ranging from sinus irritation, a mild cough, itchy throat, and itchy eyes. You might have had that already. I've experienced that a few times myself over the past couple of days. All the way to much more severe ones like significant shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, heart palpitations."
Prikryl noted seniors, young children, anyone with asthma or heart disease, and those working outdoors should take precautions to protect themselves as the air quality worsens.
Residents are encouraged to stay indoors with the windows closed if possible.
Avoid outdoor activity and contact a health care provider if experiencing shortness of breath, wheezing (including asthma attacks), severe cough, dizziness or chest pains.
Take a break from the smoke by entering a clean, cool-air setting, such as a library, shopping mall or community centre.
And officials urge residents to check-in on vulnerable relatives who may be more susceptible to smoke.
Environment Canada forecasts the poor air quality to persist into the weekend.
Fire officials say forest fire smoke carries a campfire-like smell and ask residents to consider what they smell before calling an emergency.
They explain wildfire smoke appears like a haze over the region, while vehicle or structure fires create dark, fast-moving smoke and flames.
Additionally, several areas across the region are under a total fire ban due to the tinder-dry conditions and the threat of rapidly spreading fires.
Forecasted smoke from wildfire travels into the Barrie and surrounding areas on Thurs., June 8, 2023. (Source: Firesmoke.ca)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still so much love between us,' Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Trump's lawyers grill ex-tabloid publisher as 1st week of hush money trial testimony nears a close
After prosecutors' lead witness painted a tawdry portrait of “catch-and-kill” tabloid schemes, defence lawyers in Donald Trump's criminal trial on Friday sought to dig into an account of the former publisher of the National Enquirer and his efforts to protect Trump from negative stories during the 2016 election.