A voluntary shelter-in-place recommendation in Summerside, P.E.I., in place due to an ongoing solar farm fire has ended. The city says the order was lifted Thursday evening following guidance from Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison. The battery fire began Monday morning and was quickly contained but is still active. Morrison addressed residents’ concerns over air quality in the area and their health in a video posted to social media. She said Summerside residents should feel confident continuing with their usual routines. “I’m reassured by the results of ongoing air quality monitoring being conducted in and around Summerside, along with advice toxicology experts at the Atlantic Poison Control Centre. Based on the data, any gases from the batteries are dissipating quickly in the outdoor environment and are not a health threat to the citizens of Summerside,” Morrison said. The province’s top doctor added residents who are sensitive to smoke or who have underlying respiratory conditions may chose to reduce outdoor activity and anyone experiencing persistent breathing difficulties should seen medical advice. The city says it will share immediate updates to the public if conditions change. Schools reopen Morrison also recommended Summerside children return to school. The Public Schools Branch said classes in the Three Oaks Family of Schools would proceed Friday. École-sur-Mer will also resume activities Friday and will welcome students back. Credit Union Place will also be reopening and returning to regular hours on Friday. Incident moves into longer-term phase Summerside Police Services says the fire is moving into a longer-term watch phase a four fire crew members will stay at the site 24/7. “Air quality testing continued yesterday and into today. Data collected throughout the monitoring period will continue to be shared with the Chief Public Health Office as it becomes available,” reads a Friday morning update. “Additional water sampling was completed yesterday. Water testing will continue into next week, with multiple enhanced level of testing above normal monitoring practices.” Police say fire watch operations are expected to continue in the weeks ahead and they will be issuing daily updates 10 a.m. only unless there are changes at the site. For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
