Ministry issues air quality warning and open burning restrictions in GF

By Contributor

UPDATE: 

The Ministry of Environment has ended the fine particulate (PM2.5) advisory and burning restrictions for Grand Forks and surrounding areas (20 km radius from downtown). Air quality has improved because fine particulate concentrations have returned to levels below the provincial objective. 

 

UPDATE: 

The Ministry of Environment is continuing the Air Quality Advisory for Grand Forks and surrounding areas because of high concentrations of fine particulates that are expected to persist until the current weather system changes. Air quality will be monitored over the weekend and the advisory will be lifted if conditions improve. Otherwise, a formal update will be issued Monday morning, December 16th.  

Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted.  Staying indoors helps to reduce fine particulate exposure.  Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.  

Open burning restrictions continue to be in effect within a 20 kilometre radius from downtown Grand Forks until the Air Quality Advisory is lifted. No new fires may be initiated and no additional material may be added to existing fires. 

ORIGINAL STORY: 

The Ministry of Environment has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Grand Forks and surrounding areas because of high concentrations of fine particulates that are expected to persist for the next 24 hours. 

 

Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous 

exercise until the advisory is lifted. Staying indoors helps to reduce fine particulate exposure. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease. 

 

Open burning restrictions are now in effect within a 20 kilometre radius from 

downtown Grand Forks until 2:00 pm PST, Friday, December 13th, 2013. No new fires may be initiated and no additional material may be added to existing fires. 

 

Follow this link for more information.