Monday, August 15, 2016

DFO to reopens 25 salmon pools on Miramichi River, in New Brunswick, on Tuesday

Pools were closed on July 26 due to high water temperatures but conditions have now improved

CBC News Posted: Aug 15, 2016 4:20 PM AT Last Updated: Aug 15, 2016 4:20 PM AT
 
Salmon pools in the Miramichi River system that have been closed to fishing since July 26 due to high water temperatures will reopen to angling for all species of fish on Tuesday.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada said the 25 pools are being reopened following an improvement in water conditions.

All angling for salmon is on a mandatory catch-and-release basis.

Salmon are cold water fish and when warm air temperatures push up the water temperature in the river, it puts stress on the fish.

However, three pools will remain closed until Dec. 31.
  • Confluence of Sutherland Brook and Northwest Miramichi River, including the waters of Sutherland Brook upstream from Highway 420.
  • Waters of the Southwest Miramichi River in Quarryville, 300 metres upstream and 300 metres downstream of the Quarryville Bridge, including Indian Town Brook from its confluence with the Southwest Miramichi River, upstream to Highway 108 bridge.
  • Confluence of Wilson Brook and Southwest Miramichi River, including waters of Wilson Brook 100 metres upstream of its mouth, an area locally known as Bear Den.

Seven Mile Lake Fire near Kejimkujik National Park, in Nova Scotia, contained

Travel restrictions into woods lifted in Cape Breton, but remain in mainland Nova Scotia

By Jon Tattrie, CBC News Posted: Aug 15, 2016 12:26 PM AT Last Updated: Aug 15, 2016 4:24 PM AT
 
The forest fire at Seven Mile Lake in Nova Scotia's Annapolis County is fully contained, officials said Monday.

Crews have also fully contained the fires at Maitland Bridge in Annapolis County, Perch Lake in Pictou County and Ten Mile Lake in Queens County.

The latter blaze continues to be difficult to fight because the area has had less rain than other areas around Kejimkujik National Park, the province said Monday morning. Crews at the scene said the fire has burned deep in places and they have to dig out the hot spots with hand tools or water to completely extinguish them.
 
Beginning tonight and for the next few days, Highway 8, also known as Trunk 8, will open at 8 and close again at 8 a.m. the following morning.

A burn ban remains in place across Nova Scotia.

However, a ban on travel into the woods in Cape Breton was lifted Monday, but it remains in place in mainland Nova Scotia.

"We appreciate everyone's co-operation while these restrictions are in place. Firefighters have made significant progress. As well, there are fewer new fires starting," said Natural Resources Minister Lloyd Hines.

P.E.I. sends help

Prince Edward Island sent five firefighters to Nova Scotia Monday to help with the remaining fires.

"We expect they will be posted in the southern area of the province for a minimum period of one week up to a period of two weeks, or until conditions improve," said Robert Mitchell, P.E.I.'s minister for the Department of Communities, Land and Environment.

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

6:40 PM ADT Monday 15 August 2016
Special air quality statement in effect for:
  • Queens County
Smoke associated with a forest fire in the vicinity of Seven Mile Lake in western Nova Scotia will continue to affect portions of Queens and Annapolis counties tonight and Tuesday. Reduced air quality can be expected downwind and in the vicinity of the smoke plumes.
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.

Heat Wave Day - 08/14/2016

Maine

Augusta

Max: 90°F/32.2°C
Min: 61°F/16.1°C

Gray

Max: 90°F/32.2°C
Min: 75°F/23.9°C

Portland

Max: 94°F/34.4°C
Min: 63°F/17.2°C