‘It smelled like a bonfire in the house’: Wildfire smoke raises health concerns

Southeast New Brunswick Residents Face Smoke from Nova Scotia Wildfires

Southeast New Brunswick residents awoke this week to the smell of smoke drifting in from wildfires in Nova Scotia.

“My little boy woke up crying and it smelled like a bonfire in the house,” one area resident commented Monday in a social media post.

The phenomenon raises questions about health and wellbeing. How can people protect themselves from wildfire smoke while also trying to stay cool during increasingly frequent heat waves brought on by the climate crisis? And what is the role of government in protecting its most vulnerable residents?

Health Risks from Wildfire Smoke

Airborne particulate matter, a form of pollution emitted from sources including wildfires, poses serious health risks. Even short periods of exposure — up to 24 hours — have been linked to:

• Premature mortality

• Increased hospital admissions for heart and lung conditions

• Bronchitis and asthma attacks

• Other health complications

Infants, children, pregnant women, seniors, smokers, and people with chronic heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable and should avoid exposure to heavy smoke, according to provincial guidelines.

While the Maritimes aren’t typically wildfire-prone like B.C., researchers expect fires to become more frequent due to global warming, which has already lengthened the burning season.

Heat and Air Quality Challenges

• Temperatures in Moncton surpassed 25.2°C on Monday afternoon, with a humidex of 29°C.

• Earlier this month, heat warnings covered much of New Brunswick. On August 11, the humidex reached 42°C in Moncton while wildfires burned near Miramichi and Moncton.

• Air quality was forecasted to become “high risk” in smoky areas, with Environment Canada warning some residents may experience wheezing, chest pains, or severe coughing.

Winds have shifted, carrying smoke from the Annapolis Valley east. By Wednesday, special air quality statements included Lunenburg, Kings, Hants, and Halifax counties, while Annapolis County remained under a more serious warning.

Staying Safe Indoors and Outdoors

Environment Canada advises residents in smoky areas to:

• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible

• Limit time outdoors

• Prioritize staying cool during extreme heat events

Air conditioning is safe to use during smoky conditions if it recirculates indoor air, such as mini-splits or central systems. Window units or systems that pull in outdoor air may worsen indoor conditions. Air exchangers should be turned off or set to recirculation mode.

Using a clean, high-quality air filter in home ventilation systems or a certified portable air cleaner can help filter fine particles. Inexpensive DIY air cleaners are also an effective alternative.

Community and Government Response

During heat alerts, residents are encouraged to visit public spaces with air conditioning, such as libraries, community centres, malls, and churches. Some municipalities have opened comfort or cooling centres to help residents cope with heat.

Premier Susan Holt said the province works closely with municipalities to ensure public infrastructure, like cooling centres, is in place and supports programs that reduce the cost of home cooling appliances, such as mini-splits. Renters, however, are often not eligible for these programs.

During a wildfire near Moncton, the Maple Hills community set up a temporary cooling centre offering air conditioning, showers, water, food, and other supports. Local councillor-at-large Eric Murray said only a handful of people used the centre, suggesting most residents were prepared at home or unaware of the resources.

Murray noted the reliance on volunteers to run the centre and described it as “not easy” to staff. The situation highlights the challenges communities face as heat waves and wildfire smoke become more frequent.

Looking Ahead

As climate change drives hotter summers and more frequent wildfires, residents and local governments will need to continue adapting. The events in Southeast New Brunswick underscore the importance of preparedness, accessible cooling solutions, and public awareness in safeguarding health and well-being.

David Gordon Koch is a journalist with the NB Media Co-op. This reporting was made possible in part by the Government of Canada, administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS).