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
DEVELOPING Trump is safe after Secret Service opened fire at suspected person with firearm near his golf club
Donald Trump's campaign says he is safe after gunshots were reported in his vicinity Sunday afternoon in Florida.
B.C. to open 'highly secure' involuntary care facilities
B.C. will be opening “highly secure facilities” for people with addiction and mental health issues in the province, officials said Sunday.
They came from Jamaica for work, now they're homeless and out thousands of dollars in lost wages
Abuse of Canada’s temporary foreign worker program has left a group of carpenters from Jamaica 'destitute' after an Ottawa company refused to pay them for nearly half a year of work.
Montreal bars, restaurants react to Quebec bill to regulate merchant tipping requests
Quebec tabled a bill on Thursday that would regulate how merchants determine suggested tips, forcing businesses to calculate them based on the price before tax. Restaurant staff and management are divided on the policy.
TIFF audience prizes for 'Life of Chuck,' Hip doc; Rankin among Canadian winners
'The Life of Chuck,' an offbeat film by writer-director Mike Flanagan, wins the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Queen Victoria's favourite Tuscan villa for sale for more than US$55 million
Once a favoured holiday destination for Queen Victoria, and reputedly described in one of the greatest works of Italian literature, the Villa Palmieri is steeped in history and could now be yours – if you have more than €50 million (US$55 million) lying around.
Air Canada deal avoids shutdown, brings relief to passengers and business groups
Travellers, business groups and politicians expressed fervent relief on Sunday after Air Canada and the union representing thousands of its pilots negotiated a new labour deal and averted a disruptive, countrywide shutdown.
Vance doesn't back away from false claims about migrants in Ohio even amid threats to the community
Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance did not back away on Sunday from the false claims he and Donald Trump have been making that Haitians in an Ohio community are abducting and eating pets, even as the state's GOP governor and other officials insist there is no evidence of such behavior.
What are your rights as a neighbour in Canada?
If you have beef with your neighbour and you feel it's gone too far, what should you do? A personal injury lawyer has some advice.