Sask. wildfires cause smoky air quality in central, northern areas

SASKATOON -

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is warning residents in the central and northern parts of the province about smoke in the air.

The poor air quality is due to 135 active wildfires burning, mostly in the north.

Medical Health Officer Dr. Simon Kapaj with the SHA says the air quality mixed with high temperatures is a “recipe for disaster” for some people.

“We’ll likely see some impact on the health of individuals, especially people with underlying medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, children that are exposed to heat and the poor air quality,” Kapaj told CTV News.

He says some of the signs people should look out for is having a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, skin rashes and heat stroke. Kapaj’s advice for people to avoid these signs is to reduce as much time outside if possible.

“Staying in the sun only in the early morning and afternoon and not during the peak times of when temperature might be high especially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

The SHA recommends reducing activity outdoors, especially for older adults and people with heart and lung conditions. It also says air conditioning can help circulate the air, and to keep windows and doors closed.

⚠️ Wildfire smoke=poor air quality in much of central/northern #Sask today. It is recommended that everyone reduce/reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Those with heart/lung conditions, older adults & seniors are esp at risk.
Air quality forecast: https://t.co/3O23yHq0Rh pic.twitter.com/VJOBc2z9V8

— Saskatchewan Health Authority (@SaskHealth) July 16, 2021

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Saskatoon.

Its Air Quality Health Index shows a “very high risk” for Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Buffalo Narrows on Friday.

While the forest fires in the northern parts of the province are to blame for the air quality, meteorologist Terri Lang with Environment Canada says there’s other factors that can contribute to the smoke.

“We tend to get other pollutants that build up in the sunshine, get trapped in the lower atmosphere and that sends our air quality readings quite high,” Lang told CTV News.

While the air quality statement is expected to be “low risk” by Saturday night, Lang says it could change due to changes in wind directions.

“Probably for at least the next week, we're going to have heat and wildfires, combined and of course the hot dry weather isn't helping with the forest fire fight either.”