My Wildfire Week

Our country is on fire from coast to coast across Canada, including the North and through Quebec. A controlled burn rids the forest of debris, dead trees, and leaves and helps to start the forest anew.

However, some fires are man-made, ignited by careless humans. These fires can also result from too little winter snow and practically no spring rain.

Here is what one week looked like with poor quality and COPD.

The impact of wildfires on my daily life

Saturday

We were so excited to get up early on Saturday morning, grab a coffee, and see my grandson play soccer. This year he plays at 10:30 am so that I can catch all his games.

The day turned out to have a very hard northern breeze that left us cold, and then the wind struck. I took my scooter and used a mask, but we darn near froze watching the game for an hour.

Sunday

My grandson spent the weekend with us. Sunday was a warm day with no clouds. All in all, we had a blast.

We spent time on the back porch, out front, and in the house. I had no problem breathing but spent time reading inside while my grandson and his dad played outside.

Monday

I was itching to go out. I needed some retail therapy in the flower department.

However, my PSW day is Monday, and I get an hour of personal hygiene time from her, which is necessary for me. I would be too tired to go after my bath, anyway.

Tuesday

Tuesdays are always busy days for me. I spend every Tuesday on research and presentation. Then that evening, I heard that we were under a blanket of smoke from wildfires surrounding us.

My children texted me, and my sister called me to say inside. I was unaware of what was happening, so I tried to play the wait-and-see game. The air quality is 105.

Wednesday

I really wanted to go out. I had left the day open to go plant shopping.

The air was ripe with clouds of smoke that hung in the air and let off a distinct smell. It seemed to permeate through the doors and windows. The smell made me sick, and those clouds hovered without moving for the entire day. The air quality is 73.

Thursday

All extracurricular activities like soccer and baseball have been canceled. Schools have canceled recess, and there are no kids at the park.

There is a ban on all open fires in the country, along with firecrackers. The air quality is 111.

Friday

Hope is in the air. It has rained all day, and that rain will hopefully move some of the clouds that will help to dissipate the smoke. The air quality is 79.

Saturday

We expected the soccer game to be canceled, so I slept late. It is a product of my depression that keeps me sleeping to avoid what I miss. There was a game, but I stayed put and safe in my air conditioning. The air quality is 59.

Join me again for an update coming soon!

Maybe next week I can go shopping!

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.