The smoke from the wildfires here in the north has been intermittent here in Thompson, but once we can see and smell it, we should head indoors.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator for the Northern Health Region has more on what we can experience when impacted by the smoke.

“Mild symptoms are eyes, nose and throat irritation, headaches, a mild cough. Sometimes you can get a little bit of chest pain or some more coughing. If some of those more severe symptoms start to show up, you should probably seek some medical help.”

Some people who are at higher risk from the effects of smoke are those 65-plus, pregnant women, young children, those with chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors.

Krentz advises to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, use air filters if you have them and during extreme heat and smoke events prioritize staying cool and maintaining the air quality of your home.