The smoke from wildfires in northern Saskatchewan prompted air quality warnings from Environment Canada Wednesday. (Facebook)

By paNOW Staff

Air quality warning

Poor air quality values in northern Saskatchewan prompts warning

Jul 14, 2021 | 4:55 PM

Environment Canada has issued special statements regarding the air quality in several communities throughout Saskatchewan.

Numerous forest fires in the north are producing reduced visibilities in smoke and poor air quality for communities downwind of fires.

“On Tuesday, northerly winds advected smoke from these fires southward into central Saskatchewan. Winds will shift to southerly today, improving the poor air quality in central regions, but advecting the forest fire smoke northward, causing poor air quality values for communities in northern Saskatchewan,” the statement read.

Environment Canada described wildfire smoke as a ‘constantly-changing mixture of particles and gasses which includes many chemicals that can harm our health.’ As a result, residents may experience symptoms such as increasing coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Jaimie Peters, a registered nurse and certified respiratory educator at the Lung Association of Saskatchewan said children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.

“The general recommendation is to stay indoors and keep doors and windows shut and make sure your air conditioning is on recirculation so you’re not moving that outside air into the home. Avoid exercising outdoors,” Peters said. “We want to be especially careful with kids and little kids because they breathe at a faster rate and are more susceptible to smoke.”

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The Air Quality Health Index showed Buffalo Narrows and Prince Albert were both sitting at ratings of 8 and 7 respectively, putting those areas in the high-risk category. The Ministry of Environment told paNOW the fine particulate levels recorded in Prince Albert in the last 24-hours are almost 2.5 times higher than average or normal levels.

Environment Canada said conditions will improve Thursday as a cold front pushes through the region.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow