Saskatchewan was shrouded in smoke Monday with no end in sight.
The province’s two major cities are under special air quality declarations, and Saskatoon is also under a heat warning.
“Smoke from wildfires is causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility,” says Environment Canada’s air quality advisory.
“Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and vary significantly from hour to hour.”
Environment Canada says fine particles in wildfire smoke pose a major health risk, particularly to the elderly, pregnant women, babies and children.
“Listen to your body and if you experience symptoms, consider reducing or stopping vigorous outdoor activities,” advises Environment Canada.
“Symptoms can include mild, more common symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as serious but less common symptoms such as chest pain or severe cough. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.”
Saskatoon is under a special air quality warning as wildfire smoke continues to spread.
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When it’s hot and smoky outside, experts say it’s important to rest your lungs and stay indoors as much as possible.
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“The people we are most concerned about are those with respiratory or cardiovascular disease and children,” said Jamie Peters, a registered nurse at Lung Sask. It said.
“Smaller people with smaller lungs – they breathe faster and inhale more so the smoke can have a bigger effect on them.”
Peters said everyday masks have limited effect in blocking smoke particles, but recommends using air filtration devices such as air conditioners or air purifiers.
In Regina, smoke has made it difficult for children’s camps to operate. At the North Central Family Centre, children are required to stay indoors when it’s too hot or smoky, and program director Maggie Redston-Davis said it’s important they understand why.
“When we exercise, we teach them to notice that you’re breathing deeper and we really teach them to recognize emotions that can be associated with health risks that can be eliminated or reduced,” Redston-Davis says.
As for the heat warning in Saskatoon, hot temperatures are expected to persist for several days.
Environment Canada expects the heat warning to extend eastward in the coming days.
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