Thick smoke from fires in Northern Manitoba continues to envelope much of the province.
Early on Friday morning, Environment Canada issued a special air quality statement for all of southern Manitoba and parts of the north as smoke from wildfires continues to impact the province. Those statements were removed for the eastern half of the province later in the morning, but remain in effect for the west.
The advisory warns that wildfire smoke is causing—or is expected to cause—poor air quality and reduced visibility. The smoke is drifting into Manitoba from wildfires burning in northern Saskatchewan and parts of northern Manitoba.
Environment Canada says poor air quality will occur at times as the smoke plume moves through the region. As smoke levels increase, health risks also rise.
Health risks and precautions
People may experience symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. More severe symptoms, such as wheezing or chest pain, are less common but possible. Those experiencing a medical emergency are urged to seek immediate assistance.
Vulnerable populations—including seniors, pregnant people, infants, young children, those with chronic illnesses, and people who work outdoors—are especially at risk and should limit time outside.
Officials advise keeping windows and doors closed when indoors, and using air filtration systems or certified portable air cleaners to reduce indoor smoke exposure. If spending time outdoors is unavoidable, a properly worn N95 or equivalent respirator mask can help reduce inhalation of fine particles.
Environment Canada encourages Manitobans to check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution. More information is available at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke and airhealth.ca.
Active wildfires and provincial response
There are currently three wildfires burning out of control in Manitoba, including one near The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Another nine fires are being held or are under control, with several located in the Interlake region.
The Manitoba government introduced new fire restrictions on Wednesday in response to the growing wildfire risk. Starting Friday, fires will be prohibited between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. in parts of southeastern Manitoba, the Interlake, and Spruce Woods Provincial Park. Fires at night will only be permitted in approved campfire pits.
Motorized backcountry travel, including the use of ATVs, is also banned in those areas, except for individuals with travel permits to remote cottages.
Officials say dry conditions and rising temperatures have created a high fire danger across much of the province.
This report includes files from The Canadian Press.