Regina, Moose Jaw under air quality advisory as wildfire smoke spreads throughout Sask.
Smoky conditions in Regina are seen in this file photo. (David Prisciak/CTV News)
A large portion of southern Saskatchewan is under a special air quality statement Friday afternoon, as smoke from wildfires creeps south.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued the alert at 12:20 p.m. Friday, noting the smoke from wildfires in northern Saskatchewan and northern Alberta is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.
Affected areas under the statement as of Friday afternoon include Regina, Moose Jaw and surrounding areas. An advisory was issued for northern and central Saskatchewan earlier in the day Friday.
Air quality
A special air quality statement was issued for a large portion of southern Saskatchewan on Friday. (Photo source: Environment and Climate Change Canada)
The weather agency advises people to limit time outdoors and consider rescheduling or reducing outdoor activities. When inside, ECCC advises people to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible and prioritize keeping the space cool.
If people must spend time outside, ECCC says a properly worn respirator type mask can reduce exposure. However, there can still be health risks.
Common symptoms of wildfire exposure may include eye, nose, and throat irritations, as well as headaches or a mild cough, with more serious symptoms including wheezing, chest pains, or a severe cough.
People are asked to call HealthLine 811 if they need advice on health risks.
As of 1 p.m. on Friday, Regina's air quality index was listed at a seven, which ECCC lists as a 'high risk.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Calgary Herald
3 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
Rainy weather in Calgary forces Saturday plans to pivot
With stormy weather rolling into Calgary on Friday night, the downpour continued into Saturday — raining on a full parade of events. Article content According to Todd Bate, senior meteorologist for Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Calgary area has seen 71 millimetres of rain into Saturday afternoon, with more on the way. This comes after the ECCC's projected forecast of 40-80 mm. Article content Article content Article content Wind levels in the city came as a bit of a surprise. Article content Article content 'The wind was perhaps slightly stronger than expected. We were expecting gusts of 40 to 60 kilometres an hour, and we ended up with gusts of 70,' Bate said. Article content With a busy Saturday of events planned around the city, many were forced to adapt to the stormy conditions. Article content With the forecast coming in on Friday, WinSport postponed the opening of its bike park ahead of time, opting to push the start of its season to Tuesday. Article content Similarly, Sport Calgary's All Sport One day — a youth sport discovery event — faced numerous changes as a result of the rain, with three locations no longer hosting activities and a host of other activities being relocated or cancelled. These mostly included outdoor sports like soccer, field hockey and frisbee. Article content 'There actually weren't many cancellations, which was amazing considering the forecast. It was a great day, actually' said Catriona Le May Doan, president and CEO of Sport Calgary. 'It was great that we could pivot.' Article content Article content The Mega Bounce Run event hosted by Race Roster was also cancelled, with the rain and wind making its inflatable obstacle courses potentially unsafe. Article content The MS Bike event from Airdrie to Olds was affected, with the cycling portion of the event cancelled due to weather conditions. Participants were invited to join other planned festivities at Olds College, including the indoor beer gardens, dinner and programs. Article content The event will continue as planned on Sunday, with cyclists making their way from Olds College back to Airdrie. Article content Confluence Historic Site & Parkland held its annual Walk for Reconciliation Saturday morning in the pouring rain, with nearly 200 people in attendance. Heritage Park also celebrated National Indigenous Day with a traditional powwow.
CTV News
5 hours ago
- CTV News
Wildfire smoke prompts air quality warnings in Manitoba
Trees burned by wildfires in northern Manitoba are shown during a helicopter tour in the surrounding area of Flin Flon, Man., on Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mike Deal-Pool Several Manitoba communities are under air quality advisories Saturday due to wildfire smoke. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued warnings for Berens River, Bloodvein and Little Grand Rapids because the smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. ECCC has also issued air quality statements for areas including Winnipeg, Brandon and the Interlake. 'High levels of air pollution have developed due to smoke from forest fires,' Environment Canada warned. 'Smoke plumes moving over southern Manitoba from forest fires in northwest Ontario have resulted in deteriorated air quality in the area.' The weather agency said widespread improvement is expected by Saturday evening. ECCC air quality Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Canada issued air quality warnings and statements for parts of Manitoba on June 21, 2025. ECCC warns that smoke puts everyone's health at risk, but especially those over the age of 65, pregnant people, infants and young kids, those with existing illnesses, and people who work outside. To stay safe, the weather agency recommends limiting time outdoors, keeping windows and doors closed, and using a good quality air filter in your ventilation system. For those who must spend time outside, it's recommended that you wear a well-fitting respirator-type mask. Smoky conditions can lead to symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as a headache or mild cough. More serious symptoms including wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. According to the provincial wildfire service, there were 22 fires burning in Manitoba with 6 deemed as 'out of control.'
CTV News
10 hours ago
- CTV News
Climate scientist warns of 'extreme heat dumps and heat waves' this summer
Watch Climate scientist Paul Beckwith discusses summer heat wave risks, what's causing them, and tornado threats in Saskatchewan.
