Wildfire smoke covers much of Saskatchewan
Environment Canada warns smoke could be a health risk for some people
The wildfire smoke that has plagued Saskatchewan's north has reached central and southern parts of the province.
Environment Canada has issued air quality statements for most of the province, including all areas south of La Loche and Southend.
People in Saskatoon, Regina and other cities woke up Wednesday to a thick haze and the smell of smoke in the air.
The weather office says it's due to extreme fine particulate matter concentrations from wildfire smoke.
Air quality health index values (AQHI) for some regions in the province are above 10, which is very high risk. The agency says the air quality and visibility can fluctuate by location and from hour to hour.
Robyn Dyck, an Environment Canada meteorologist, said these very-high-risk AQHI levels are rare in Saskatchewan.
"On an average day we [Saskatchewan] have an AQHI around two, maybe three, so 10 is quite extreme," Dyck said Wednesday morning. "It's not just folks who have pre-existing conditions who are being impacted, it's really everyone."
Dyck added that it's important that people check the Environment Canada website for updates on the air quality in the province.
What can you do to reduce the impact on your health?
Environment Canada says wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone's health, even at low concentrations.
Brent Fellner, an instructor at St. John's Ambulance in Saskatoon, said it's important that people are aware about the effects wildfire smoke can have on their health. Some symptoms to watch for are headaches, coughs, a runny nose, dizziness and chest pains.
"For people who have lung problems, heart problems, breathing problems of any kind, that can be a much bigger deal, and that's where they want to be aware of what's going on, and for some of these people that might mean that they're going to be staying home," Fellner said.
"They definitely need to make sure their medication is up to date and they've got enough to get through something like this."
Fellner said if symptoms become severe, it's important that people seek out medical treatment.
He added that people without health conditions should take precautions as well.
"Don't go outside any more than you have to. Stay inside when you can and just let this blow over," Fellner said.
According to Environment Canada, it's important to stay hydrated to help manage the conditions and check on people in your life who may be more vulnerable. A well-fitted respirator-type mask (such as an N95 or equivalent respirator) can help reduce exposure to the fine particles.
How long will the air quality remain poor?
A cold front moving south is concentrating the smoke. It's expected to drag a narrow band of thicker smoke through the southeast corner of the province on Wednesday.
Dyck said the most affected region on Wednesday morning was Estevan because the cold front had just gone through the region.
"That's where the poorest air quality is right now, " Dyck said. "Their visibility is actually down to about 400 or 500 metres."
Dyck said the poor air quality could last in areas of Saskatchewan for a few more days.
"With the cold front, it was quite poor and then there was a slight improvement and I would say the improvement was in visibility," Dyck said.
Dyck added that with the cold front continuing to move southwards, there wasn't much of an improvement in the particulate matter concentration, so the air quality didn't really improve.
With files from Candice Lipski