Sunday, August 14, 2016

Showers bring crews closer to containing forest fire at Seven Mile Lake, in Nova Scotia

Fire broke out on Aug. 4 near Kejimkujik National Park and is largest province has seen since 2009

The Canadian Press Posted: Aug 14, 2016 12:01 PM AT Last Updated: Aug 14, 2016 1:10 PM AT
 
Rain has helped contain 395-hectare fire in western Nova Scotia that crews have been battling for more than a week.

The Department of Natural Resources says the fire at Seven Mile Lake in Annapolis County is 70 per cent contained as of Sunday morning, up from 50 per cent on Saturday evening.

Officials say progress is expected to continue Sunday with a chance of showers later in the day.

The Seven Mile Lake wildfire broke out on Aug. 4 near one of Nova Scotia's natural gems, Kejimkujik National Park.

"We're hoping today, with the rain helping us, we will get that fire contained, but we'll wait and see," said Jim Rudderham, the province's operations manager for forest protection.

"It's going to go on for a while yet."

Need at least week's worth of rain

Rudderham said the blaze is the largest the province has seen since flames tore through a forested area near the Spryfield community of Halifax in 2009, destroying 10 buildings.

The fire at Seven Mile Lake is one of 17 wildfires that have broken out across the province since last week, most of which have been extinguished or brought under control.

Rudderham says even with recent rainfall, crews will continue working for some time.

"If it rained everyday for a whole week, we might not be," he said.

About 200 people from at least five provinces have contributed to the fire-fighting effort, as well as a fleet of water bombers from Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick.

Special Air Quality Alerts remain in effect for parts of Nova Scotia

10:56 AM ADT Sunday 14 August 2016
Special air quality statement in effect for:
  • Pictou County
Smoke associated with a forest fire near Perch Lake, south of Pictou, will continue to affect parts of Pictou and Colchester County today. Reduced air quality can be expected near the smoke plumes. Rain over the area will help to improve air quality today.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. They can also make breathing more difficult.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Visit 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
Issued by Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.

10:58 AM ADT Sunday 14 August 2016
Special air quality statement in effect for:
  • Queens County
Smoke associated with forest fires in the vicinity of Seven Mile Lake and Ten Mile Lake in western Nova Scotia will continue to affect portions of Queens and Annapolis counties today. Reduced air quality can be expected downwind and in the vicinity of the smoke plumes. Pollution levels could improve today depending on the amount of rain the area receives.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. They can also make breathing more difficult.

People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.

Stay inside if you have breathing difficulties. Find an indoor place that's cool and ventilated. Using an air conditioner that cools and filters air may help. If you open the windows you may let in more polluted air. If your home isn't air-conditioned, consider going to a public place (library, shopping mall, recreation centre) that is air-conditioned.

Visit 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
Issued by Environment Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.