Air quality warnings and fire bans are in effect in Burlington due to the ongoing wildfires in Quebec.
Reports state that there are 149 forest fires burning across Quebec as of 8 a.m. on June 7; most are categorized as out of control. The province has the capacity to fight only 30 of them and calls are still out for out-of-province help. Evacuations are continuing in some municipalities, though others have lifted their emergency measures.
The smoke has been seen across the GTA and into Burlington and Hamilton for some days now, and the air quality may increase in terms of risk to health over the next day or two. As a result of the dry weather conditions and smoke from the forest fires, the City of Burlington is under a fire ban, issued today by the Burlington Fire Department. All open-air burning, including on properties with approved burn permits, is now prohibited until further notice. Failure to comply with the open-air fire ban may result in fines.
The fire department is also asking for Burlington residents to “use extreme caution when cooking on barbeques during this time,” and aid in fire prevention by ensuring lawns are cut and well-watered, and moving all yard waste, brush, and wood away from heat sources and structures.
Halton District School Board has cancelled all sports activities for the day due to forecasted air quality, though the Halton Catholic District School Board tweeted this morning that Halton Catholic Athletic Association Elementary Track & Field Municipal Meets were continuing today as planned. While city facilities, outdoor pools, and sports fields are open, the city will not enact penalties on any sports groups who wish to cancel or reschedule their rentals.
Currently, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Burlington is sitting at a 5, indicating moderate risk; for the general population, this means “no need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation,” according to the Government of Canada. However, for those considered at-risk, the government advises you to “consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you are experiencing symptoms.”
The Special Air Quality Statement advises that visibility and air quality can fluctuate hourly and to monitor yourself for any symptoms and stay inside your home or another place with cool, clean air if you experience symptoms. Respirator-type masks are recommended for those who must spend time outdoors.
Forecasts suggest that AQHI may worsen today and into tomorrow, potentially rising to a maximum of 9 (signifying high risk) this evening and Thursday.
Are you at-risk?
People with an increased risk of health problems upon exposure to air pollution include:
- Seniors
- Pregnant people
- Infants and young children
- People who work outdoors
- People involved in strenuous outdoor exercise
- People with existing illness or chronic health conditions, such as:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Mental illness
- Lung or heart conditions (e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], congestive heart failure, angina, previous heart attack, certain heart arrhythmias)
Symptoms associated with exposure to air pollutants:
- Irritated eyes
- Increased mucus production in the nose or throat
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing, especially during exercise
People with existing illnesses may experience specific symptoms (click here and scroll down for more information); those who are unaware of existing heart or lung disease but experience any of the following symptoms should consult their doctor: chest pain or tightness, sweating, difficulty breathing without exertion, consistent cough or shortness of breath, fluttering in the chest or feeling light-headed.
Sources and further information:
Air Quality Ontario. Air Quality Health Index for Burlington: http://www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi/today.php?sites=44008
City of Burlington. Open air burning: burlington.ca/openairburning.
Halton Region. Today’s Air Quality: https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Environmental-Health/Outdoor-Air-Quality/Todays-Air-Quality
Government of Canada. About the Air Quality Health Index: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/about.html
Government of Canada. Burlington – Air Quality Index and Special Air Quality Statement: https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/onaq-003_e.html
Government of Canada. Health risks of air pollution: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/health-risks.html
Government of Canada. How to use the Air Quality Health Index: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index/use.html
