LOCAL NEWS Boy’s death linked to wildfire smoke?

The BC Coroners Service is investigating the July 11 death of nine-year-old Carter Vigh of 100 Mile House, a death believed to be linked to the impact of wildfire smoke on the boy’s asthma.

“The sudden and unexpected death of this young boy is a heartbreaking loss for his family and community,” the BC Coroners Service said in a release.

“As the province experiences greater impacts from the effects of climate change, British Columbians are learning more about the risks associated with wildfire smoke, extreme heat and other environmental factors. This greater awareness can help us respond when risks are identified.”

The BC Coroners Service noted the deaths of more than 600 people during the heat dome in late June 2021 led to 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,” the agency said.

An online fundraising campaign to help the family has been created at gofundme.com. It can be found by searching the site for “In loving memory of Carter Vigh.”

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share our precious Carter Anthony Vigh has passed away,” family member Anamaria Vigh stated on the fundraising page.

“Our family will never be the same. We ask that everyone continue to keep James, Amber, Cadence and Daxton in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the grieving process. If you have the means to donate to help relieve even an ounce of stress for James and Amber, they will forever be so grateful.”

A celebration of Carter’s life will be held at the South Cariboo Recreation Centre, at 2-175B Wrangler Way in 100 Mile House, on Saturday July 22, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a procession showcasing his favourite cars, trucks and motorcycles beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The Vigh family requests that people attending the ceremony wear their favourite sports jersey in honour of Carter and his love of sports.

As of Tuesday, July 18, there were 393 fires burning in the province, according to BC Wildfire Service statistics, 32 of which are in the Cariboo Fire Centre (which includes 100 Mile House) and 44 of which are in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

The province issues air-quality advisories and smoky-skies bulletins whenever an area of B.C. has been or is reasonably expected to be impacted by wildfire smoke.

British Columbians can sign up to be automatically notified of air-quality warnings via an airquality subscription service.

Smoke from wildfires is especially dangerous for people with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, older people and infants and young children.

The best ways to protect yourself from the impacts of the smoke are to reduce exposure by:

• staying indoors with windows closed;

• keeping windows closed and air conditioning on when driving;

• reducing time spent outdoors and avoiding rigorous outdoor exercise;

• using high-quality, portable air cleaners with HEPA filtration to remove smoke particles from indoor air;

• visiting places with controlled air supply, such as shopping malls, swimming pools or public libraries.

LEARN MORE

• Wildfire smoke (BC Centre on Disease Control): bccdc.ca/ health-info/prevention-publichealth/wildfire-smoke.

• Sign up here for the air-quality subscription service: aqss.nrs. gov.bc.ca/subscription.html.

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