Squamish fire under control but warnings still in place
Residents asked to stay on alert in case wind shifts and blows smoke into town
Officials say a fire that started on Thursday evening at an industrial dock in Squamish, B.C. is under control but won't be put out until Saturday and smoke is still a potential concern for nearby residents.
Paul Martiquet, a medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health, said so far none of the monitors in place were indicating a health problem from the smoke.
However, those with pre-existing lung conditions could still be at risk.
"Breathing in the creosote smoke is hazardous if it is a chronic exposure," said Martiquet. "The acute exposure in this case would cause short-term lung irritation."
Officials say they're monitoring the situation, as more smoke could be pushed back into town if the wind shifts. They say one person went to hospital and was treated for respiratory issues.
"If there's any situation where we need to have a shelter-in-place again, we'll do that," said Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman.
The impact of smoke from the fire on locally-grown garden vegetables has also raised concerns.
District officials recommended that residents not consume any vegetables from local garden plots until Vancouver Coastal Health reviews environmental results.
Concerns about the toxicity of the smoke led to an order for local residents to stay inside shortly after the fire started last night. The burning dock pilings are soaked with creosote.
Officials don't know yet what caused the fire or the full extent of the damage. They say they're still focusing on putting the fire out.
With files from Stephanie Mercier