UPDATE: May 22, 2017 - 2:00 p.m. Coquihalla Highway expected to be closed until midnight due to this incident.
Click here for details on highway closure.
Original story - May 22, 2017 - Air Quality Advisory issued for Kingsvale
An air quality advisory has been issued for the area in and around Kingsvale, approximately 25 kilometres south of Merrit.
The advisory has been issued following a semi truck carrying potentially hazardous chemicals caught fire on Highway 5 near the Coldwater Road Exchange earlier this morning. The advisory is due to potential health impacts created by smoke coming from the fire.
People in or around the area who smell or taste anything unusual in the air are advised to seek shelter indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off any air intakes (like air conditioning). If individuals continue to smell anything unusual indoors then they should leave the immediate area and seek cleaner air.
Likely symptoms include mild to moderate irritation of the nose, throat, respiratory tract or eyes.
Individuals who experience more severe respiratory symptoms, headache, nausea or dizziness should seek medical assistance.
Currently, there are no indications that local water has been impacted by the fire.
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