Sanikiluaq dump fire smoke triggers air quality alert

Nunavut's Department of Health has issued an air quality advisory for Sanikiluaq due to a fire at the community's dump.

It says the fire in the wood disposal section of the dump has been extinguished but continues to produce smoke.

People with heart or lung disease, asthma, the elderly, children and pregnant women are being advised to limit their exposure to smoke by avoiding the area around the fire and staying indoors as much as possible with the doors and windows closed.

Health officials say anyone with symptoms such as trouble breathing or tightness in the chest should seek medical attention.