Nine-year-old dies after wildfire smoke aggravated his medical condition

The BC Coroners Service is issuing a warning about the health effects of wildfire smoke after a nine-year-old boy in the BC Interior tragically died of complications from a medical condition aggravated by smoky skies.

Carter Vigh of 100 Mile House died this week, according to social media posts from his mother. The loss was tragic and unexpected, and the family has organized a GoFundMe to support his parents and siblings as they grieve.

“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,” the Coroners Service said.

The service is paying greater attention to heat and smoke-related deaths, especially after the deadly 2021 heat dome played a part in more than 600 fatalities.

It urged British Columbians to sign up for automatic air quality alerts, provided by the government — and take care when air quality is bad. Wildfire smoke is especially dangerous for people with heart and lung conditions, infants, young children, and the elderly.

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