On Nov. 17, the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Northern Health Authority issued an Air Quality Advisory for Burns Lake because of "renewed high concentrations of fine particulates." The air quality advisory is continued for the community of Burns Lake for Nov. 18, 2014.
Open burning restrictions are in effect in Burns Lake and surrounding areas, meaning that no new fires should be initiated and no additional material should be added to existing fires.
From Nov. 13 to 15, a similar advisory was issued for Burns Lake and area. The reason for the advisory was due to high concentrations of fine particulates in the air caused by wood smoke (wood stoves and/or open burning) as well as emissions from industry and transportation sources such as automobiles, trucks and rail traffic. A strong high pressure ridge, as well as the night time inversions and light winds generated poor venting conditions in the area.
On Nov. 13, Smithers, Telkwa and Houston received the same advisory. However, as of 4 p.m. on Nov. 12, Burns Lake had the most polluted air in the area, with a 24-hour average PM2.5 (particular matter) concentration of 35.2. Smithers had a concentration of 23.1, followed by Telkwa with 20.7, and Houston with 20.
When this kind of advisory is in place, residents should avoid the use of wood stoves and fireplaces unless used as the sole source of residential heat. Reduction in both outdoor burning and the use of wood burning stoves contribute to cleaner air. People with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise. Staying indoors and in air conditioned spaces helps to reduce fine particulate exposure. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
Real-time air quality information for B.C. communities can be found at www.bcairquality.ca.
