Special air quality statement for parts of Saskatchewan

UPDATE: All advisories mentioned in this story have ended

Smoke from the B.C. wildfires is affecting air quality in parts of Saskatchewan.

Environment Canada had issued a special air quality statement Monday for Saskatoon and the surrounding area, and for the southwest corner of the province.

FULL COVERAGE: Wildfires burning around B.C.

The advisory has been expanded to include Regina and area, and other parts of the province.

Officials said high levels of air pollution have developed and smoke plumes moving over portions of Saskatchewan have deteriorated air quality.

People could experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors and people with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

Officials also said there is also a risk for homes that are not air conditioned.

READ MORE: Calgary and area under air quality advisory

They said to ensure houses don’t get too warm if windows and doors are kept closed to keep smoke out as exposure to too much heat can also result in illness.

“We recommend people stay indoors if at all possible during smoky weather,” said Jaimie Peters, a registered nurse and certified respiratory educator with the Lung Association of Saskatchewan.

Over-the-counter respiratory face masks won’t fully protect people because the smoke particles are too small, Peters said.

“If you are going to go outside, we really recommend not exercising,” she said.

Upper-level wind carrying smoke from B.C. is expected to last until Friday, according to Environment Canada meteorologist John Paul Cragg.

“It’s very hard to forecast where exactly the smoke is going to go because it’s so dependent on little motions in the atmosphere,” Cragg said.

Special air quality statement ended for:

• Saskatoon
• Lloydminster
• Regina
• Martensville – Warman – Rosthern – Delisle – Wakaw
• Outlook – Watrous – Hanley – Imperial – Dinsmore
• Humboldt – Wynyard – Wadena – Lanigan – Foam Lake
• Kindersley – Rosetown – Biggar – Wilkie – Macklin
• Moose Jaw – Pense – Central Butte – Craik
• Assiniboia – Gravelbourg – Coronach
• Fort Qu’Appelle – Indian Head – Lumsden – Pilot Butte
• Estevan – Weyburn – Radville – Milestone
• Moosomin – Grenfell – Kipling – Wawota
• Carlyle – Oxbow – Carnduff – Bienfait – Stoughton
• Leader – Gull Lake
• Swift Current – Herbert – Cabri – Kyle – Lucky Lake
• Shaunavon – Maple Creek – Val Marie – Cypress Hills