Smoke from wildfires now encompasses all of central and northern Saskatchewan with communities under either an air quality statement or an air quality warning. Smoke moved into Saskatoon Friday morning and the area affected by an advisory or a warning covered the majority of the province by early afternoon.

Environment Canada says smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta and northern Saskatchewan is expected to periodically cause poor air quality and localized reductions in visibility today. ECCC also warns that as smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Residents are advised to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

Environment Canada suggests that during heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status and some of the mild/common symptoms include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough.

Firesmoke.ca is now showing wildfire smoke from northern fires drifting over the international border into the United States.

Photo credit: Facebook. Firefighting Pelican Narrows.