Parts of central Newfoundland can expect to see increased smoke in the area today and tomorrow due to raging wildfires.
This was due to a change in wind direction pushing the smoke towards Grand Falls-Windsor, Bishops Falls and Botwood. The smoke is expected to be in the air until around 7pm on Friday.
No evacuations are required at this time, but residents are advised to stay inside at this time.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr Janice Fitzgerald says it’s important to reduce exposure as much as possible by closing windows and doors, limiting outdoor activity – especially strenuous activity and not going outdoors at all if the smoke is really bad. In general, she says to get as much fresh air as possible and stay hydrated.
She says if the temperature is comfortable, residents should turn off or use the recirculation settings on their HVAC system.
Anyone with smoke sensitivity who feels their symptoms are getting worse should call 811 or their healthcare provider.
Residents affected by the state of emergency and poor air quality can take advantage of buses traveling to the shelter at the Hodder Memorial Center in Deer Lake. Buses run daily at 11:00am and 5:00pm from The Salvation Army Church in Bishops Falls, The Salvation Army Citadel in Botwood and Joe Byrne Arena and Windsor Stadium in Grand Falls.
Pets are welcome on the bus but must be in an appropriate carrier. In Deer Lake, volunteers will help transport the pet to a fire shelter.
Two toll-free numbers have been set up for on-site inquiries about the situation:
- 1-833-845-0775: Provincial Emergency Operations Center hotline for supply, transportation and general inquiries.
- 1-833-960-4571: Central Health Hotline for all health questions.
In the meantime, officials will reassess the condition of the Bay d’Espoir Highway to determine if it is safe to keep it open to traffic.
The highway, which crosses the interior of the island, was reopened on Tuesday and remained open to traffic yesterday.
Motorists are reminded to drive carefully and not stop while the road is open.
Cabin owners are also asked to stay away from the area so as not to endanger themselves or first responders. Forest roads in the area remain closed.
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