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As per the wildfires that continue to spread across western and southern Manitoba, there is a special air quality warning in effect Thursday morning.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canad (EC), smoke from wildfires, which affected Winnipeg for a few hours on Wednesday, is returning to the Red River valley as well as parts of the Interlake on Thursday. This will result in very poor air quality, and reduced visibility.
There are wildfires in the Lac du Bonnet and Whiteshell area that have caused an evacuation protocol. Two people were found deceased in the Lac du Bonnet area because of the fires. People who live or inhabit many camps, cottages, and cabins have been told to leave as of Thursday morning.
The smoke is expected to affect the Whiteshell and eastern Manitoba tonight through Thursday.
Winnipeg and the Red River Valley should have the smoke clear away on Friday as the winds shift to the north, however the Whiteshell area will still be smoke covered.
The air quality can affect people's health and lungs. EC is encouraging people to limit their time outdoors and reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events.
Certain groups are more susceptible to being negatively affected by the smoke, including people 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors.