Fires Update, Thursday, Aug. 11, Noon

Following is a provincial fire update for Thursday, Aug. 11, at noon.

• the fire at Seven Mile Lake, Annapolis Co., is now 40 per cent contained. It is still active and is about 377 hectares
• the fire at Ten Mile Lake, Queens Co. is now 15 per cent contained and is 8.3 hectares
• there is no significant change to any of the other fires since the previous update
• Trunk 8 remains closed due to active water bombing
• fixed winged aircrafts have not been able to fly yet due to weather but should be able to take off soon. Crews are working well on the ground
• travel and activities within the woods remain restricted. People can still access beaches and provincial parks, but trail systems are restricted and the fire ban remains in effect
• smoke from the fires has been moving across the province, reaching Halifax
• there are air quality warnings in place for Hants Co., Annapolis Co., Kings Co., Lunenburg Co., and Queens Co.
• smoke and humidity are affecting air quality and young children, the elderly, people with allergies, heart or lung conditions are most at risk. Symptoms include irritated eyes, increased mucus production in the nose or throat, coughing, or difficulty breathing, especially during exercise
• if you are sensitive to air quality or humidity, you may want to stay indoors, or somewhere that is cool. Spend time in an air-conditioned place – such as a library, indoor sports facility, mall or other public place
• if you have an air conditioner at home, set it to "re-circulate" and keep it running
• keep your doors and windows closed to avoid letting in polluted air, and avoid strenuous indoor activities as well as outdoor ones
• if you have health concerns, contact 811 or your health-care provider
• more information can be found at http://novascotia.ca/nsfire/faq.asp