Saskatoon was under an air quality advisory Friday morning, as wildfires raging in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan sent smoke across the southern parts of the province.
Those who left a window open overnight likely woke up to the familiar smell of a campfire, but Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is advising residents to close their windows and limit strenuous outdoor activities or exercise while the system of air pollution passes through.
“Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles,” the statement said.
As of Friday morning there were seven uncontained wildfires burning in the province, according to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.
Yesterday, the province declared a state of emergency to unlock additional funding to protect the communities at risk from the fires.
More than a dozen communities have been evacuated so far, with many evacuees currently taking refuge in the province’s urban centres.
The ECCC says the wildfire smoke is expected to move southward throughout the afternoon and could linger Friday night and into Saturday.
In the Saskatoon region late Friday morning, the weather service rated the air quality risk at a “10-plus,” which presents a very high risk to health, especially for at-risk populations with pre-existing conditions.
The city’s public and Catholic schools have moved recess indoors for the day and cancelled any outdoor field trips or sporting events.
Some may experience mild eye, nose and throat irritation from the polluted air, or even headaches. Less common but more serious symptoms include wheezing and chest pains.
“People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms,” the ECCC said in the statement.
The federal weather agency says people should limit their time outdoors in these conditions, but if you’re heading out and want some protection, a well-fitted N95 mask can reduce your exposure to the fine particles of smoke in the air.