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Friday, August 28, 2015
Vol. 8 • Issue 16
What to do about transients in Cottonwood Falls Park? See Pages 4-5 280 Baker Street Nelson BC (250)
354-4089
Nelson Neptunes bring home medals See Page 17
These photos, taken Tuesday afternoon from Gyro Park, show the record-breaking smoke that has drifted into Nelson from Washington wildfires. Authorities are urging residents to avoid going outside or engaging in strenuous activity. Will Johnson photos
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Record-breaking smoke drifts into Nelson Ministry of Environment warns residents to stay inside and avoid strenuous activity outdoors; children and elderly especially vulnerable
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WILL JOHNSON Nelson Star Nelson residents are being encouraged to stay inside and avoid strenuous activity outside as a record-breaking amount of smoke drifts into the area from the Washington wildfires south of the border. With the daily average of particulates in the air hitting 167 micrograms per cubic meter — the acceptable level is 25 — it’s becoming increasingly dangerous to breathe. The particles are approximately 2.5 microns in size, which is about a millionth of a meter, and are
easily inhaled. “The reason we’re concerned is that the size of these particulates allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs and create respiratory illness and discomfort,” air quality meteorologist Tarek Ayache of the environmental protection division of BC’s Ministry of Environment, told the Star. And though reactions can differ from one person to the next, Ayache said everyone should avoid spending time outside and attempt to find wellventilated rooms for refuge. Residents are already reporting headaches, fatigue
and sore throats, while there has been a rush on air filters at local hardware stores. He noted the elderly and the young are especially vulnerable. “I was outside in Grand Forks for about half an hour or 45 minutes. I’m a healthy individual, and I came back in with a headache. This is a real problem. Anyone can feel it.” Ayache compared the particulate levels to that of the interior’s 2003 wildfires, and found the current levels far exceed them. “During the episode on Sunday we
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recorded a maximum level of 390, and that’s been going on since Saturday afternoon and is projected to continue until [today].” That’s a new record. Precipitation is expected later today, at which point the smoke will hopefully disperse. “With these conditions we expect as long as the wildfires remain active we can expect this smoke to persist,” Ayache said. Interior Health’s Karl Hardt said so far there have been three admissions to Kootenay Lake Hospital related to smoke issues, but there hasn’t been a “significant spike in overall emergency department visits.” For daily updates and forecasts visit bcairquality.ca.
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