Heavy black smoke coming out a residential unit ….what is on fire to cause the dark smoke

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# How are wildland fires controlled? It is important to know that not every wildland fire should be controlled or needs to be extinguished ("put out"). Many wildland fires will burn out themselves, or the weather will change to bring rain and high humidity that can slow or extinguish the fire. Across Canada, forest management agencies evaluate each fire to balance the benefits that come from the fires while limiting potential damages and costs. Many ecosystems require fire, for example, to open seed cones (jack pine cones). The fire also releases nutrients to the soil and may remove diseased plants and harmful insects. Wildland fire crews are trained to Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) standards. This standardized training allows wildland fire crews to be mobilized across Canada through mutual aid agreements. ## What are the hazards associated with wildland fire smoke? Wildland fire smoke contains particles and gases that may be harmful to workers or the community. Smoke is a complex mixture of hundreds of chemicals. It may contain: - Fine particulate matter - Carbon monoxide - Carbon dioxide - Nitrogen oxides - Sulfur oxides - Volatile organic compounds - Formaldehyde The composition of smoke will depend on many factors, including what materials are burning. The concentration of the smoke will depend on the wind conditions and proximity (closeness) to the fire. ## What are the health effects of wildland fire smoke? Smoke may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches and worsening of allergies. Inhaling fine particles of smoke has been linked with the aggravation of pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Symptoms of smoke exposure may include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and increased mucous production. Wildland Fires and Smoke CCOHS

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# FIRE HAZARDS Have a portable carbon monoxide/fire alarm properly positioned to detect smoke or toxic gas. Place heaters on a heat- insulated material that extends two feet or more in all directions beyond the heater. Keep all flammable materials away from heaters. Ensure proper ventilation when operating any type of combustion engine indoors. # RIESGOS DE INCENDIO Tenga una alarma de monóxido de carbón portátil correctamente en posición para detectar humo o gas tóxico. Ponga los calentones sobre una superficie de material aislante que se extienda dos pies o más en todas direcciones más allá del calentón. Mantenga todos los materiales inflamables lejos de los calentadores. Asegure una ventilación adecuada cuando opere cualquier tipo de motor de combustión en interiores. PESO - Residential Construction Safety 37 PESO - Seguridad en la Construcción Residencial