The Ministry of Environment (MOE) has issued a smoke advisory for Burns Lake because of forest fire smoke originating from Atna Lake, just west of Morice Lake, approximately 84 kms. from Houston.
Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change. This situation is expected to persist until mid-week.
"There also are currently five fires burning within Tweedsmuir Park. They all started as a result of lightning on Sunday, and currently are being assessed for their potential to leave the park. They are located within five kms. of the east boundary of the park. Currently, no firefighters are assigned to these fires, however, if based on the assessment of the fire official it is dictated that the fires should be suppressed, firefighters will be assigned. Currently the fires are all less than a tenth of a hectare in size," said Lindsay Carnes, fire information officer for the Northwest Fire Centre Wildfire Management branch.
Recommendations from MOE states; avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways.
Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
Forecast winds as of Monday are from the west, changing to the west-northwest this afternoon.
This may cause smoke to drift towards Burns Lake, though small-scale channelling could cause more smoke to flow down the Morice Valley towards Houston and the Bulkley Valley.
**The Ministry of Environment has ended the wildfire smoke advisory for Burns Lake due to improving air quality that resulted from precipitation in the area last night. Favourable northwesterly winds which occurred yesterday are expected to continue throughout the day.**