Smoke from forest fires darkens the sky in some places Saturday morning in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
Abitibi-Témiscamingue public health recommends that the population of the MRCs of Vallée-de-l'Or and Abitibi stay at home as of Saturday evening.
According to health authorities, around 6 p.m., a plume of smoke will seriously degrade air quality, particularly in the MRC of Vallée-de-l'Or and Abitibi.
The confinement recommendation is mainly aimed at vulnerable people who will have to remain inside their accommodation during this period until Sunday 9 a.m.
< p class="e-p">The level of air quality today [Saturday] is very, very concentrated in fine particles, in smoke, explains the director of public health Stéphane Trépanier. There are special recommendations for vulnerable people, but with the levels of concentration we have today, it's for everyone. Everyone really has to limit their intense physical activities outside so as not to end up inhaling that smoke, so that applies today, really to everyone, for everyone. ;Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
Regional Director of Public Health, Dr. Stéphane Trépanier.
But public health is of particular concern to the population of Vallée-de-l'Or and Abitibi. Both sectors will be strongly affected by a large plume of smoke on Saturday evening.
For Barraute, Val-d'Or, Amos, Lac-Simon and Louvicourt, there are specific instructions […] From 06:00 tonight [Saturday], the plume of these fires will come to cover the sectors in question. It's really important to be indoors with pets. It's going to be a very high level in terms of fine particles that are hazardous to health. We do not go outside during this period, we stay inside, the windows closed, the air exchangers closed too. People who are alone, it would be nice to be able to stay in touch with them, advises Doctor Stéphane Trépanier.
In case of discomfort, public health invites citizens to contact Health Info at 811.
The recommendation for confinement does not apply ;not officially applied for other sectors, but public health asks the population to stay at home and follow the same instructions since there will be a lot of smoke in the air.
Public health recommendations during confinement:
- Stay inside your residence (including pets).
- Close windows of the residence.
- Limit air exchange with the outside (for example: shut off the air exchanger).
- Ensure that no one vulnerable does not live alone.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity.
