With wildfires in northern Saskatchewan and Alberta, smoke is covering the sky throughout the province with a thick haze.
According to Environment Canada, the air quality health index is above 10, which is a very high health risk.
Environment Canada stated that a cold front moving southwards through southern Saskatchewan is concentrating smoke from wildfires.
“As this front progresses southeastwards today, it will drag a narrow band of thicker smoke through the remaining southeastern corner of the province,” Environment Canada said. “Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.”
Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement early Wednesday morning stating that values of 10+, or very high risk, are occurring.
People with respiratory issues or heart disease, seniors, children, pregnant women and those who work outdoors are at a higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by the wildfire smoke.
“Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season,” the statement said.
“Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice. Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms … drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke. Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air.”
Call the HealthLine 811 for advice on health risks, symptoms and precautions associated with air quality.
Jill Hubick, Lung Saskatchewan Certified Respiratory Educator, said the impact on people’s lungs from the wildfire smoke can range from very mild to severe and even life-threatening.
“It’s very common for anyone … to experience a runny nose, itchy eyes, worsening of allergy symptoms, maybe an irritated throat and some headaches,” said Hubick. “People with lung disease, smoke is a common trigger, and that means it is very common to make their disease worse and harder to manage. They may experience something like worsening cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, increased mucus.”
Lung Saskatchewan encourages those individuals to have an action plan which tells them what to do when their symptoms are worsening.
Hubick said people who are indoors can set their air conditioning on a recirculation setting.
“You never want to draw the smoky air from outside, indoors. If you exercise, move your exercise indoors as well,” she said. “(Know) what the air quality index is to make sure it’s safe for you to go outside or whether you should continue to remain indoors.”
On Wednesday afternoon, the Saskatchewan government announced a provincial command to assist in response to wildfires across northern Saskatchewan.
“The activation of the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre has been established to provide a central point to co-ordinate the operational response of provincial government ministries, agencies and Crown corporations,” stated Correction, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell in a release.
There are currently 28 active wildfires burning in the province and there have been 169 wildfires so far this year, which is double the amount normally seen.
The latest fire risk maps, fire ban map and up-to-date wildfire information can be found at saskpublicsafety.ca/emergencies-and-response/wildfire-status. Saskatchewan residents seeking information about fire bans or evacuations are asked to call the wildfire inquiry line at 1-855-559-5502.