Smoke levels rise across Sask., driven by wildfires

Smoke levels rise across Sask., driven by wildfires

Environment Canada says no need for most to stay inside, but watch for throat irritation, shortness of breath

Air quality has deteriorated somewhat in Saskatchewan, as wildfire smoke from the northern part of the province and the Northwest Territories drifts south.

"Right now the overall weather pattern is bringing in smoke from fires across northern Saskatchewan and even in the N.W.T., and that's bringing it all the way south as far as Saskatoon," Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) meteorologist Janelle Gergely said.

Although smoke levels have risen, air quality has not reached a point where ECCC would issue warnings. ECCC's air quality index reached 7, or high risk, in Buffalo Narrows Wednesday, but most of the province futher south was rated as moderate or low risk.

Gergely said anyone with respiratory issues, younger children and older people may want to limit their exposure to the smoky conditions until they die down.

"If you're sensitive to smoke, whether that's you have asthma, COPD, older adults and young children, you may wish to limit your exposure and your outdoor activities," she said.

She recommended people close their windows or use air filters if needed, but said there's no need for most people to stop going outside at this time.

"The levels are elevated, but not to the point where we have an alert out. So most people could do their normal activities," she said. "But do be aware, like, if you start to get higher throat irritation or shortness of breath, then you can start reducing that outdoor activity."

Gergely said forecasts indicate shifting weather will stop bringing smoke in from the north, but light surface winds mean remaining smoke will take time to disperse.

Darla Ponace is a Saulteaux woman from Zagime Anishinabek First Nations. She started as an associate producer in the Indigenous Pathways program at CBC. She is currently working with CBC Saskatchewan as a reporter. You can email her at darla.ponace@cbc.ca with story ideas.