Thursday, August 30, 2018 Wildfire update:
The State of Local Emergency has been extended to September 6, 2018 and will be re-evaluated weekly.
The fire remains at approximately 168 hectares. On the South flank, a trail has been cut from the powerlines into the tree-line to assess the terrain for possible fire crew accessibility. Additional equipment, including another water bladder has been acquired and will be used behind the houses on Pandora Crescent and at the North end of Maquinna Ave.
BCWS used water lines to hose the fire that has crept down the mountainside at the top of Pandora. This area continues to be monitored by BCWS, Port McNeill Fire Department as well as Comox Structural Protection personnel.
Wildfires & Air Quality
Forest fire smoke is a complex and dynamic mixture of gases and very small particles that can irritate the respiratory system and cause systemic inflammation.
Advice to minimize health effects:
- If you have a chronic condition, have rescue medication on hand at all times and a plan to follow if your rescue medication cannot bring your condition under control.
- Look for indoor environments that might be less smoky, such as shopping malls, community centres and libraries.
- Avoid physical exertion because the amount of smoke you breathe increases as your breathing rate increases.
- Keep hydrated as it helps your body deal with inflammation.
