Latest news with #smoke
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Public urged to 'avoid the area' as smoke billows from building fire in Sidcup
People are being urged to avoid Blackfen Road in Sidcup as around 60 firefighters battle a large fire at a building under renovation. Eight fire engines were sent to the scene after flames engulfed a shop with flats above at 1.10pm today (July 22). The entire ground floor, first floor, and roof are alight, and part of the roof of a neighbouring building has also caught fire. Station Commander Steve Howlett, who is at the scene, said: 'This is a very visible fire which is producing a significant amount of smoke in the area. READ MORE: LIVE updates as major fire breaks out at house under renovation in Sidcup "Please keep your windows and doors closed if you live or work in the vicinity.' A 32-metre turntable ladder is being used as a water tower to tackle the flames from above. Blackfen Road has been closed and some local bus routes are affected. Crews from Eltham, Lee Green, Sidcup, East Greenwich and other surrounding fire stations are responding after the brigade received nearly 30 emergency calls. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
CBC
8 hours ago
- Climate
- CBC
Riley Laychuk's Manitoba forecast for Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Scattered showers across southern Manitoba on Tuesday. There is a slight risk of thunderstorms again as well. Wednesday brings a return of smoke to the south.
CBC
16 hours ago
- Health
- CBC
How does wildfire smoke affect human health?
How does wildfire smoke affect human health? News Duration 3:55 It's been a hazy few weeks for parts of western and central Canada, as smoke from wildfires burning in Saskatchewan and Manitoba has carried across North America. While the immediate danger of the blazes is often clear, it's not always obvious how wildfire smoke affects human health. Medical columnist Dr. Melissa Lem spoke to CBC about measures to take to breathe easy this wildfire season.
CTV News
17 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Weekend heat fuelling Manitoba wildfires
Winnipeg Watch CTV's Taylor Brock has the latest updates on Manitoba's wildfire situation, including how the heat and smoke are impacting the fight.
CBC
20 hours ago
- Climate
- CBC
Summer camps say they're ready to adjust as wildfire smoke looms large over Manitoba
Some Winnipeg summer camps are taking precautions as potential health risks from the thick wildfire smoke cast a shadow over outdoor activities. An Environment Canada weather warning remained in place for most of the province's north as well as parts of central Manitoba Monday afternoon. Poor air quality and reduced visibility led to cancellations of events across the province this weekend, including in Winnipeg, where the air quality heath index was at six as of 2 p.m., indicating a moderate risk. Summer camps in the city say they're working to adapt. The Assiniboine Park Zoo said it's making masks available for staff and some of the 120 or so children who attend its day camp every week. Jody Watson, senior director of programming and education with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, said the organization had to put an air quality policy in place for its camp and other programs this summer because of the smoky conditions. "If we do have a day where the air quality is poor, we're going to modify our activities, we're going to try to spend more time inside," she said. "We've encouraged parents to provide masks for their kids." Leah Smith, director of nature-based learning at FortWhyte Alive, said smoke hasn't affected activities at the nature centre's camp so far this summer, which is attended by about 150 children every week. But she said that just like any other weather events, the centre has plans in place to adapt its programming to the smoky conditions. "Indoor crafts. We've got lots of exhibits, we've got the touch museum.… We just kind of minimize our stints of time outside," Smith said. "We're staying closer to the buildings, not going on big hikes, monitoring any of the children and staff for any adverse effects from exposure. And yeah, otherwise we're just trying to carry on as best as we can." A City of Winnipeg spokesperson said in an email Monday most of its summer programs have access to indoor spaces, and that the city directs program leaders to spend more time inside or reduce the time spent on intense physical activity when smoke is particularly bad. The University of Manitoba said all activities at its Mini-U summer camp are brought inside when the air quality health index hits a seven or greater, indicating a high or very high level of risk. "When the air quality index is between 1-6, group leaders are asked to monitor how their participants are feeling and make a location change to an indoor activity, if needed," a university spokesperson said in an email. "As per standard protocol for Mini-U, any outdoor activity is never scheduled for longer than two hours, even when air quality is fine." People exposed to wildfire smoke may experience eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or mild cough. More severe symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. More research needed on long-term effects: Professor Dr. Chris Pascoe, an associate professor at the university, studies the effects of wildfire smoke on the body. He said there's still a lot of unknowns when it comes to the long-term health effects, but that risks include worsening symptoms in kids who have asthma. Pascoe said there is also evidence of people becoming more susceptible to cold or infections because of wildfire smoke exposure. "I'm constantly checking the air quality. I feel like it's been my part-time job this summer," he said. "We know what the risk is for at-risk populations.… But kids are still growing, just developing, their brains and hearts are still maturing. And so, minimizing that risk is probably our best course of action until we have more information." Pascoe said the shorter the exposure the better, and that parents should consider rescheduling outdoor activities or moving them indoors whenever possible. He said masks are always a option, but that they need to be well-fitting, which may be a challenge for young children. Winnipeg parent Neil Hipolito said he's mindful of the risks when planning activities for his two children, but that he still wants them to make the most of the summer.
