Smoke warning alerts drivers, boaters, residents to possible fire pollution

Smoke from Parry Sound 33 can be smelled across Central and Northern Ontario for more than 100 km. Enivronment Canada and the province say the smoke is spreading across the region. (MNRF photos)

PARRY SOUND — An air quality warning has been issued as a result of smoke from the Parry Sound 33 fire, which could affect area residents, tourists, boaters and especially children or people with breathing problems.

Tuesday night Environment Canada and the province of Ontario issued a special air quality statement for the Town of Parry Sound, Rosseau and Killbear Park.

They say smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility for even boaters on Georgian Bay and the surrounding smaller lakes and rivers including the French and Pickerel Rivers.

It may cause possible high levels of air pollution due to smoke from forest fires over the next few days.

Smoke plumes are over parts of the region from forest fires in the vicinity of Key River. And air quality may deteriorate if the smoke descends to ground level.

The view of Parry Sound 33 from the air shows the size and number of hot spots MNRF staff have to contend with on the ground and in the air.

They say residents and tourist 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.
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.

Be air aware! Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care.
Watch MuskokaTODAY.com for more Environment Canada alerts.

Or for the latest status and details on all alerts, including alerts, they can be found here: http://www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html

The Parry Sound 33 fire is within 5 km of Hwy. 69, the TransCanada Highway stretch running between Parry Sound and Sudbury, and could cause visibility problems for drivers and boater across the region.