Wildfire

The threat of wildfires to people and property within our municipality is very real. Advance planning and knowledge about how to protect your family and your home can lessen the devastation of a wildfire.

To report a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

• Wildfire Smoke: Recommendations for the public
• Smoke, Tips to Cope
• Notable Wildfires
• Important Links

Wildfire Smoke: Recommendations for the public

The following table provides a general list of probable health effects at each level, and associated recommended cautionary statements. It is based on the US EPA's Air Pollution Index, as well Montana's Guide for Public Health Officials. For further information contact Northern Lights Regional Health Centre:

Environmental Health can be reached on: 780-791-6078 or 24hr line: 780-791-6161

* Determining Visibility

1. Face away from sun.
2. Determine the limit of your visible range by looking for targets at known distances (miles).
3. Visible range is that point at which even high contrast objects totally disappear.
4. Use the values above to determine the local forest fire smoke category.

Persons exhibiting respiratory or heart symptoms should seek medical attention. For pm 2.5 levels in several locations in the Wood Buffalo area visit the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association.

NOTE:
N95 (or R95, P95) masks can be beneficial for protection from smoke as long as they fit properly.

Evacuation: the most common call for evacuation is due to fire instead of smoke. Leaving the area may be a good protective measure for members of sensitive groups, but duration, intensity, and direction of smoke is difficult to predict. This is an unattractive option to many people. 

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Alberta Health Services - Smoke, Tips to Cope

Smoke is a known irritant to the lungs. There are strategies one can put in place that will minimize health symptoms in the event of a local wildfire:

• Keep outdoor activity to a minimum. Use indoor facilities for exercise.
• Keep doors and windows closed.
• Caulk and weather-strip your home to prevent entry of dust, pollen, and other particulates from outdoors.
• Use a room air purifier - many models are available.  When investing in one ensure you are aware of the following:

* Square footage purifier covers?
* Does it have an ionizer? (Important for asthmatics to avoid or keep at a low setting).
* Where does the manufacturer suggest placement in the home for optimum benefit?

For further helpful tips, contact the Respiratory Health Education Department at the health center during normal business hours at (780) 791-6203 .  For information on wood smoke, contact Environmental Health Services at (780) 791-6078 during normal business hours.

If you suffer from:

• Lung disease
• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
• Emphysema
• Bronchieatasis
• Chronic Bronchitis

See your doctor annually, they may have medication suggestions or alterations to your current therapy to avoid possible exacerbations.

Environmental Health advises; "If you are having breathing problems - go to the Emergency Department at Northern Lights Regional Health Center or see your family doctor."

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Notable Wildfires 1995 - 2008

The following is a list of the more notable wildfires between 1995 and 2008. These are not the only wildfires that occurred, simply some of the larger fires.

* Rounded to the nearest hectare

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Important Links

• Sustainable Resource Development
• Wood Buffalo Environmental Association
• Prescribed Fires
• Alberta Fire Bans

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