Forest fires still a major threat

We talked last month about the threat of forest fires during the summer months. Even now that threat is still very real for many people living in western Canada and the west coast of the USA. Many fires have been contained but there are still a significant number causing havoc. Large numbers of people have been evacuated from their homes and the damage to buildings and property is phenomenal. Many homes have been completely destroyed, piles of ash and rubble are all that remain. And the damage to wild life and the environment is immense. Experts are predicting that the forest land damaged by the fires will take many decades to recover.

Furthermore the smoke released into the environment is having a massive impact on the quality of air we breathe. Smoke from forest fires can spread many thousands of miles, affecting people in neighboring states too.

There are a number of things you can do if you find yourself affected by smoke from forest fires. Ensure all windows and doors are tight shut, if you have an air conditioning system, be sure to keep the fresh air intake closed. Always keep fireplace dampers and wood burning stoves closed too. These are just a few examples of what you can do to keep the smoke out of your home.

For a full and comprehensive list of what to do to stay safe, follow the link here.