An air quality advisory was issued by SaskAlert early Saturday. (SaskAlert app)

By paNOW Staff

Wildfire smoke

Air quality ‘very high risk’ in parts of Saskatchewan

May 11, 2024 | 12:49 PM

SaskAlert has issued an air quality advisory due to a plume of wildfire smoke that is spreading southwards through Saskatchewan.

This band is expected to produce poor air quality and reduced visibility throughout Saturday as the smoke moves through. By noon, the Air Quality Health Index showed Prince Albert at a rating of 10+ or ‘very high risk.’

Details in the SaskAlert notification said wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Precautions should be take to reduce exposure to the smoke. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Call HealthLine 811 for advice on health risks, symptoms and precautions.

Conditions are expected to improve through central Saskatchewan later Saturday afternoon, and in the southern parts of the province by Sunday morning.

Sask. Public Safety Agency active wildfire map for Saturday, May 11. (Gov’t of Saskatchewan)

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Saskatchewan currently has 12 active wildfires. According to the Public Safety Agency, five are not contained including one between Meadow Lake and Big River.

An evacuation alert was issued in Alberta for Fort McMurray on Friday evening as an out-of-control wildfire burned nearby.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com