Smoke from the Martin Lake wildfire is reducing local air quality. Locations: Grand Falls-Windsor and vicinity, Bay of Exploits. Short range wind forecast: south 30 gusting to 50 km/h today, up to 40 gusting to 60 km/h Thursday. Remarks: Smoke conditions may vary locally as wind and fire behaviour changes. Cloudy skies with a chance of showers or drizzle on Thursday may allow conditions to improve slightly. The best chance for relief is expected Friday as showers sweep across the Island and winds shift to northerly late in the day. People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. ### As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance. People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. Visit http://www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
