UPDATE: Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 12:00 PM

The following is an update from Environment Canada at 11:10 AM on Wednesday:

Extreme PM 2.5 concentrations and associated AQHI values of 10+ or very high risk are occurring.

A band of thick smoke continues to linger over much of southern and central Saskatchewan today. Extreme PM 2.5 concentrations and very high risk AQHI will continue into the afternoon.

For the southeast, gradual improvement is expected later this afternoon as the band moves southward through the day. However, southwestern and west central areas of the province will remain downwind of large fires in northern Saskatchewan into Thursday and Friday at minimum.

Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.

Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.

Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms. People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.

Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air.

If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.

Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke.

If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA.

Please call HealthLine 811 for advice on health risks, symptoms and precautions associated with air quality.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

ORIGINAL: Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 4:00 PM

A special Air Quality Statement has been issued for the West Central region.

Smoke is causing or is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Forest fire smoke from wildfires in the north will be concentrated by a cold front moving southwards through southern Saskatchewan.

As this front progresses southwards tonight and into tomorrow, it will drag a band of thicker smoke through most regions of central and southern Saskatchewan.

Visibility and air quality due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can change drastically from hour to hour.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone you are caring for is feeling unwell.

Contact your healthcare provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice. Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms.

Mild irritation and discomfort are common and usually disappear when the smoke clears. Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.