What you need to know
Wildfire smoke can travel long distances and affect air quality across Wrenford. Even at low levels, smoke can irritate your lungs and eyes. When air quality drops, the best way to protect your health is to limit your time outside and spend more time indoors with filtered air.
How wildfire smoke affects your health
Smoke contains tiny particles that can cause mild to severe symptoms. Most people will feel mild irritation that goes away once the smoke clears. Watch for:
- Eye irritation or watery eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat or cough
- Headache or mild dizziness
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
If you have asthma, heart disease, or lung conditions, smoke can make your symptoms worse. Older adults, young children, pregnant people, and outdoor workers are also at higher risk. Keep your rescue medications close and drink plenty of water.
If you experience severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or heart palpitations, call 8-1-1 for health advice or visit a walk-in clinic. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
At home
Keep windows and doors closed when smoke is heavy. If your home gets too hot from keeping them closed, move to a cooler indoor space. Avoid frying foods, burning candles, or using heavy cleaning products indoors, as these add to indoor air pollution. If you have a portable air cleaner, run it in the room where you spend the most time. You can also build a simple DIY air cleaner using a box fan and a HEPA filter.
Outside
Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) daily. Environment Canada updates the index, and Wrenford posts the local readings on our service alerts page. If the index is high, postpone outdoor exercise and hard labour. If you must go outside, wear a properly fitted N95 or P2 respirator. Take breaks in the shade or indoors whenever you feel symptoms starting.
Check on your neighbours
Smoke can quietly affect people who live alone or have limited mobility. Call or stop by to make sure older adults and vulnerable neighbours are staying hydrated and keeping their windows closed.
Cleaner air spaces
When smoke levels rise, you can visit public buildings with strong air filtration and cooling systems. You do not need to register, pay, or show identification. Seating, drinking water, and washrooms are available.
Regular cleaner air spaces include:
- Wrenford Public Library — Main Branch (150 Mercer Street)
- Wrenford Public Library — Northgate Branch (900 Northgate Boulevard)
- Tamsin Valley Leisure Centre (400 Benchlands Drive)
- Ambrel Lake Recreation Centre (1300 Ambrel Lake Road)
- Westbrook Community Arena (40 Westbrook Drive)
Additional rooms open in recreation centres when an orange AQHI warning is issued. Check our service alerts page for daily updates.
When to seek help and next steps
If symptoms do not improve after moving to cleaner air, contact your doctor or call 8-1-1. Keep a supply of prescribed medications at home. Build a household emergency kit and review the extreme weather and storm preparedness guide for seasonal tips. Sign up for the Wrenford Emergency Alert Network to get real-time air quality and weather warnings on your phone.
Contact us
For questions about wildfire smoke and health resources, email [email protected] or dial 3-1-1. For medical advice, call 8-1-1. Tamsin Valley Public Health also runs community health programs and can direct you to local support services.