Photo by Photo submitted
An Invasion OF The Sky – Smoke billows from the roaring forest fire near B.C.'s highway 37, the Stewart-Cassiar highway, earlier this week. The smoke has prompted an alert from the territory's medical health officer. Photo courtesy Yukon WIldland FIre Management
Forest fire smoke can pose a health risk to those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, the territory's medical officer of Health warned Thursday.
Forest fire smoke can pose a health risk to those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, the territory's medical officer of Health warned Thursday.
"People with respiratory conditions should take extra caution,” said Dr. Brendan Hanley.
"They are reminded to stay inside their house with the windows closed and reduce unnecessary physical activity.
"In addition, if they take medication for their respiratory condition, they should ensure they have it available and take it as prescribed.”
Smoke has been a problem this week in southeast Yukon from the huge forest fire along the shut-down Stewart-Cassiar Highway, about 12 kilometres south of the Yukon border. Upper Liard has been placed on an evacuation notice, meaning residents should contemplate what to bring if they're forced to flee on short notice.
For most people, forest fire smoke is merely an irritant, Hanley said.
It can cause symptoms such as a scratchy throat, cough, irritated sinuses, headaches, runny nose and stinging eyes.
However, for some individuals with asthma or chronic lung conditions, smoke from forest fires can become a more serious health concern.
Hanley also offers the following messages to Yukoners:
• Those people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic lung disease, should stay indoors and limit exertion.
• Those with allergies or sensitivity to smoke should also limit exertion and consider reducing time outdoors.
• Those not suffering from asthma, lung disease or allergies should not have adverse health effects from being outdoors, but may find that their eyes, nose and throat feel irritated from the smoke.
Each person will have his or her own individual response, and should limit time outdoors and strenuous activity if necessary.
If you have questions about your health due to forest fire smoke, call the Yukon HealthLine at 811 or speak to your health care provider (your doctor or a nurse at your community health centre).
You can also find information on the Health and Social Services website at: www.hss.gov.yk.ca.
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