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Air quality related to forest fires in the central region of the island is currently low risk. This is expected to remain low for at least the next 48 hours. While the forest fires remain out of control, conditions are stable and continue to trend in a positive direction.

The current forecast is projecting the weather to be partly cloudy with light winds, elevated relative humidity and moderate temperatures throughout the day today (Saturday, August 13). The forecast for tomorrow (Sunday, August 14) is similar with a high chance of precipitation. Overall air quality is expected to remain good. This may be revised if fire and/or smoke conditions change. For more information on air quality, visit the Environment Canada Grand Falls-Windsor Air Quality Health Index.

The Bay d’Espoir Highway (Route 360) is now open with no scheduled update unless conditions change. Please note that visibility may be reduced and motorists should drive carefully and not stop.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is consistently receiving reports of residents going into their cabins in the area of the Bay d’Espoir Highway (Route 360), Paradise Lake, and Great Rattling (North and South) These people are disregarding the closed forest access roads in an active fire area. When people enter the area, it can compromise crews’ ability to fight the fires, as well as endangering the lives of residents, crew members, and even first responders. Resource Enforcement Officers are on site and will be patrolling the area.

An update on the roads and weather conditions will be provided should there be any significant change to the current situation.

Air quality Forest fires can increase air pollution levels. Forest fire smoke contains particles and pollutants that can harm your health.

To protect yourself, if there is smoke in the area, you should keep windows and doors closed as long as the temperature is comfortable and turn off or use recirculation settings on your HVAC system to prevent smoke from entering your home. For more information on what health impacts it can have and how to protect yourself, please see the backgrounder below.

Accommodations The Canadian Red Cross shelter services established at the Hodder Memorial Centre in Deer Lake to support those impacted by the forest fires in Central Newfoundland have been suspended. Transportation services to Deer Lake have also been suspended, as these services are not required at this time.

If the need arises, shelter services and transportation will be re-established in a timely manner to meet the needs of individuals impacted.

Comfort stations are available to residents and are located at all provincial park locations. All comfort stations have showers, toilets, sinks and coin-operated laundry. There are Wi-Fi hotspots for use at the parks and water taps are available throughout. Please note, we are advising residents not to visit comfort stations that are in direct proximity to the Central Newfoundland fire, such as Notre Dame Provincial Park at the Lewisporte Junction. To find a provincial park location nearest you, please visit www.parksnl.ca/.

Important Contacts for Assistance For those who have health conditions or sensitivities to poor air quality or other negative effects from the nearby smoke from the forest fires, more information from the Health Authority is provided in the Central Health operations update. As the fire and smoky conditions continue, residents are encouraged to contact 811 or to see a health care provider if they experience any new or concerning symptoms that they feel could be related to the heat or smoke.

A toll-free phone number has been established to help field inquiries pertaining to the Central Newfoundland forest fire emergency. The number is 1-833-845-0775 to reach the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) Phone Line for inquiries regarding supplies, transportation and general questions. The phone line will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A messaging service is available to assist with incoming calls outside the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

To help residents and tourists make informed decisions before they travel, please visit the NL511 website at www.nl511.ca. NL511 provides up-to-date information on driving conditions, highway cameras, major incidents, current ferry status updates, and weather. An NL511 app is also available for smartphones.

Be Prepared Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning. All households should have an emergency plan and kit ready. Municipalities, local service districts, power utilities and health authorities have emergency and contingency plans that are activated when the need arises. Detailed emergency preparedness advice, including a downloadable emergency kit checklist, is available at www.gov.nl.ca/beprepared.

Mental Health Emergency events, such as a forest fire, can lead to fear and anxiety. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, need support, or are looking for health information, call 811 at any time.

If you are feeling anxious and alone, you can also call the Provincial Lifewise Warm Line at 1-855-753-2560, seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to midnight, to speak with a trained peer support worker who is there and ready to listen.

You can also visit Bridge the Gapp to access age-appropriate programs and services that are available locally, confidential and free.

Call 811 to find the nearest Doorways Drop-in Counselling Clinics where counselling services (in person or by telephone) are available without an appointment or referral.

Updates on conditions, resources and assistance will be made available continuously throughout this evolving situation. For the most up to date information, please follow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on Facebook and Twitter.

Media contacts Emily-Jane Gillingham Justice and Public Safety 709-729-2634, 730-4607 emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

Air Quality during a Forest Fire

Milder and more common symptoms of smoke exposure include:

These symptoms can typically be managed without medical intervention.

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to a health care provider, call 811, or seek medical attention. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 and seek immediate medical assistance.

Some people are at a higher risk of health problems when exposed to wildfire smoke including:

The best way to protect your health is to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke.

Other recommendations to protect your health:

If smoke is present for more than a few days: