Fires Update, Thursday, Aug. 11, 4 p.m.

Following is a provincial fire update for Thursday, Aug. 11, at 4 p.m.

• the fire at Ten Mile Lake, Queens Co., is now 60 per cent contained
• there have been no significant changes to the other fires, though crews are making headway
• there have been no new fire starts today
• Trunk 8 remains closed due to active water bombing
• 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, Annapolis, Kings, Lunenburg, and Queens counties
• 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 recirculate 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