Smoke over Kenora from forest fires in July of 2019 (Staff photo)
The Northwestern Health Unit is warning of smoke in various communities, especially in the Red Lake and Ear Falls area.
An air quality alert has been issued for the two communities as well as Kenora.
Smoke plumes from forest fires 85 kilometres southwest of Red Lake may affect the area.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath.
The public is reminded to reduce the length of time they are exposed to the forest fire smoke and the amount of air breathed in.
Individuals most at risk of harm include children, elderly, pregnant women, people with heart or lung conditions, or persons with active and/or physical jobs.
Follow these tips to protect you and your family:
• If it looks smoky outside, stay inside as much as possible with your windows and doors closed.
If you have room air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, turn them on.
• To help keep particle levels lower indoors avoid using items that ‘burn’, such as wood stoves
and gas stoves or even candles.
• If you have an air conditioner set it to ‘recirculate’ and keep it running to help filter and cool the
air. If you do not have air conditioning, if possible, try spending some time in an air-conditioned
place, such as a mall or library, to cool off.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking puts even more harmful particles in your lungs and affects the quality
of air for people around you.
• If you have asthma, use your medication as prescribed by your doctor. If you are supposed to
measure your peak flows, make sure you do so. Call your doctor or nurse if your symptoms
worsen.
• If you are in your car or truck, keep the windows closed and put the air system on ‘recirculate’
