Air quality related to forest fires in the central region of the island is currently low risk. This is expected to remain low for at least the next 48 hours. While the forest fires remain out of control, conditions are stable and continue to trend in a positive direction.

The current forecast is projecting the weather to be partly cloudy with light winds, elevated relative humidity and moderate temperatures throughout the day today (Saturday, August 13). The forecast for tomorrow (Sunday, August 14) is similar with a high chance of precipitation. Overall air quality is expected to remain good. This may be revised if fire and/or smoke conditions change. For more information on air quality, visit the Environment Canada Grand Falls-Windsor Air Quality Health Index.

The Bay d’Espoir Highway (Route 360) is now open with no scheduled update unless conditions change. Please note that visibility may be reduced and motorists should drive carefully and not stop.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is consistently receiving reports of residents going into their cabins in the area of the Bay d’Espoir Highway (Route 360), Paradise Lake, and Great Rattling (North and South) These people are disregarding the closed forest access roads in an active fire area. When people enter the area, it can compromise crews’ ability to fight the fires, as well as endangering the lives of residents, crew members, and even first responders. Resource Enforcement Officers are on site and will be patrolling the area.

An update on the roads and weather conditions will be provided should there be any significant change to the current situation.

Air quality
Forest fires can increase air pollution levels. Forest fire smoke contains particles and pollutants that can harm your health.

To protect yourself, if there is smoke in the area, you should keep windows and doors closed as long as the temperature is comfortable and turn off or use recirculation settings on your HVAC system to prevent smoke from entering your home. For more information on what health impacts it can have and how to protect yourself, please see the backgrounder below.

Accommodations
The Canadian Red Cross shelter services established at the Hodder Memorial Centre in Deer Lake to support those impacted by the forest fires in Central Newfoundland have been suspended. Transportation services to Deer Lake have also been suspended, as these services are not required at this time.

If the need arises, shelter services and transportation will be re-established in a timely manner to meet the needs of individuals impacted.

Comfort stations are available to residents and are located at all provincial park locations. All comfort stations have showers, toilets, sinks and coin-operated laundry. There are Wi-Fi hotspots for use at the parks and water taps are available throughout. Please note, we are advising residents not to visit comfort stations that are in direct proximity to the Central Newfoundland fire, such as Notre Dame Provincial Park at the Lewisporte Junction. To find a provincial park location nearest you, please visit www.parksnl.ca/.

Important Contacts for Assistance
For those who have health conditions or sensitivities to poor air quality or other negative effects from the nearby smoke from the forest fires, more information from the Health Authority is provided in the Central Health operations update. As the fire and smoky conditions continue, residents are encouraged to contact 811 or to see a health care provider if they experience any new or concerning symptoms that they feel could be related to the heat or smoke.

A toll-free phone number has been established to help field inquiries pertaining to the Central Newfoundland forest fire emergency. The number is 1-833-845-0775 to reach the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) Phone Line for inquiries regarding supplies, transportation and general questions. The phone line will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A messaging service is available to assist with incoming calls outside the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

To help residents and tourists make informed decisions before they travel, please visit the NL511 website at www.nl511.ca. NL511 provides up-to-date information on driving conditions, highway cameras, major incidents, current ferry status updates, and weather. An NL511 app is also available for smartphones.

Be Prepared
Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. All households should have an emergency plan and kit ready. Municipalities, local service districts, power utilities and health authorities have emergency and contingency plans that are activated when the need arises. Detailed emergency preparedness advice, including a downloadable emergency kit checklist, is available at www.gov.nl.ca/beprepared.

Mental Health
Emergency events, such as a forest fire, can lead to fear and anxiety. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, need support, or are looking for health information, call 811 at any time.

If you are feeling anxious and alone, you can also call the Provincial Lifewise Warm Line at 1-855-753-2560, seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to midnight, to speak with a trained peer support worker who is there and ready to listen.

You can also visit Bridge the Gapp to access age-appropriate programs and services that are available locally, confidential and free.

Call 811 to find the nearest Doorways Drop-in Counselling Clinics where counselling services (in person or by telephone) are available without an appointment or referral.

Updates on conditions, resources and assistance will be made available continuously throughout this evolving situation. For the most up to date information, please follow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Facebook and Twitter.

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Media contacts
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-2634, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Air Quality during a Forest Fire

Milder and more common symptoms of smoke exposure include:

• Headaches
• A mild cough
• A runny nose
• Production of phlegm
• Eye, nose and throat irritation

These symptoms can typically be managed without medical intervention.

More serious symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Chest pains
• Severe cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (including asthma attacks)
• Heart palpitations (irregular heart beat)

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to a health care provider, call 811, or seek medical attention. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 and seek immediate medical assistance.

Some people are at a higher risk of health problems when exposed to wildfire smoke including:

• Seniors
• Pregnant people
• Infants and young children
• People who work outdoors
• People involved in strenuous outdoor exercise
• People with an existing illness or chronic health conditions, such as:
  • cancer
  • diabetes
  • mental illness
  • lung or heart conditions

The best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke.

General:

• Pay attention to special air quality statements or other indicators of smoke levels in your community. If necessary, limit outdoor activity and strenuous physical activities.
• If you need to work outdoors, check with your provincial or territorial occupational health and safety organization or your local health authority. They can provide guidance on how to work safely outdoors during wildfire smoke events.

Indoors and at home:

• Keep windows and doors closed as long as the temperature is comfortable.
• Turn off or use recirculation settings on your HVAC system to prevent smoke from entering your home.
• Use a clean, good quality air filter (for example, HEPA) in your ventilation system.
• Use an air purifier that uses HEPA filtration to remove smoke from your home. For more information on selecting an air purifier that is appropriate for your needs, refer to the “Using an air purifier to filter wildfire smoke” factsheet.
• Visit community centres, libraries, and shopping malls. These places often have cleaner filtered air and can provide a break from the smoke.
• Keep vehicle windows closed and set the ventilation system to recirculate.

Other recommendations to protect your health:

• Drink plenty of water to help your body cope with the smoke. Check on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more vulnerable to smoke.
• Avoid vacuuming and burning candles, incense or other materials.

If smoke is present for more than a few days:

• Stay active when you can. Try finding a place with clean air to exercise indoors, for instance at the gym, the community centre or at home. Consult the AQHI to look for breaks in the smoke to find opportunities to go outdoors.
• Don’t forget to take care of your mental health. It’s not unusual to feel anxious, stressed out, sad or isolated during a smoke event. Eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising and staying in contact with friends can help. Anyone who is having trouble coping with symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression should seek help from a health care provider.