Canadian family warns of the dangers of wildfire smoke after losing son
The family of a nine-year-old boy who died last summer is urging Canadians to be more mindful of the harmful effects of wildfire smoke.
Carter Vigh died of asthma exacerbated by the smoke in July 2023 in 100 Mile House, B.C.
His mom Amber says the family was aware that poor air quality was dangerous, but, like most people, didn’t understand just how bad it could be.
"People have to pay attention," Amber told CTV News. "They need to know that when there’s an air quality alert that comes out, you need to be cautious."
"By just going into your house and closing your windows and doors, you’re not necessarily keeping yourself completely safe, because that air is still coming in."
Carter, who dealt with asthma his entire life, began coughing on a summer day last year after inhaling the pollutants from wildfire smoke.
"People don’t realize," Amber said. "They think the flames are the only danger in a fire, and if the flames aren’t on your doorstep, you’re OK."
Amber and her husband have since launched Carter's Project, a partnership between the family and the B.C. Lung Foundation.
Their goal is to hand out air quality monitors and encourage Canadians to invest in air purifiers for their home.
They’ve already raised thousands of dollars for the cause, passed out more than 100 purifiers in their community and lobbied their provincial representative to introduce a private member's bill — called Carter's Law — in the B.C. legislature.
The bill aims to better air quality management and protect vulnerable people during wildfire seasons.
"The main reason we’ve pushed this so much is so no other family has to go through what we’ve gone through," Vigh said.
Carter Vigh died of asthma exacerbated by the smoke in July 2023 in 100 Mile House, B.C.
Smoke incoming
Wildfire season this year, while so far not as bad as 2023’s record-breaker, is projected to be especially rough.
Poor air quality is on the docket, according to experts, and historical data suggests that it will likely be the case for the foreseeable future.
Environment and Climate Change Canada data shows since 2014, the annual average of smoky hours from May to September has been about 192.
That’s monumental stacked up against the same period from 1981 to 2000 — which, on average, saw just 12 hours of smoke per year.
That’s led to a rise in cardiac and respiratory hospital admissions, as well as lung and brain cancer reporting.
Seniors, those who are pregnant, smokers, infants, children, outdoor workers and those with pre-existing or chronic health conditions are most at risk when the air quality drops.
Milder symptoms can include eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as more worrying symptoms like chest pain or severe coughs.
Experts advise Canadians stay inside during the smokiest days, and consider turning on their furnace fan — even those who don't have air conditioning — to filter some of the smoke out.
- With files from Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.