The B.C. Coroners Service issued a public safety alert on July 17 about wildfire smoke after confirming a nine-year-old boy died after his medical condition was exacerbated by the deterioration in air quality caused by the smoke.
The coroner said the death of the young boy was a “heartbreaking loss” for his family and the 100 Mile House community where he lived, adding that the public was becoming more aware of the risks and consequences of wildfire smoke and extreme heat in the province.
“The tragic loss of life during the 2021 heat dome resulted in far greater public awareness of the potentially fatal impacts of extreme heat. Our communities are now becoming more aware of the risks presented by wildfire smoke and the measures that can be taken to reduce those risks,” said the release issued by the B.C. Coroners Service on July 17.
In the news bulletin, the coroner advised residents on how they might avoid the worst effects of smoke and heat, suggesting people stay indoors with their windows closed, use a quality indoor air filtration system, avoid rigorous outdoor exercise, and head for indoor spaces like shopping malls and swimming pools.
“Smoke from wildfires is especially dangerous for people with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, older people, and infants and young children,” said the release.
Ms. Vigh said in a Facebook post on July 18 that the tragedy had devastated her family.
“Every night I go to sleep with the worst heartache and every morning I wake up, hoping this is some horrible dream. Hoping you will walk through my door and ask me to make waffles,” she wrote.
