Smoke drifting in from wildfires burning in northern Manitoba and northern Saskatchewan is causing pockets of poor air quality and reduced visibility across the region.
As a result, a special air quality statement has been issued.
According to Environment Canada and Manitoba Health, conditions can change quickly, even from hour to hour, depending on wind and smoke levels.
Smoky skies expected to linger throughout the weekend
Environment Canada is forecasting widespread smoke to continue through at least Sunday, with no immediate relief in sight for much of southern Manitoba. Daytime highs are expected to reach 27°C today and 28°C on Sunday, with a humidex near 29 and very high UV levels both days.
“Widespread smoke” is expected to persist through Sunday night before conditions start to shift. By Monday, the forecast calls for increasing cloud cover, a 60 per cent chance of showers, and gusty winds, which could help disperse the smoke. Temperatures are expected to cool slightly, with a high of 18°C.
Until then, residents are advised to monitor air quality updates and continue taking precautions, especially during outdoor activities.
Click here for the full forecat.
Health risks increase with smoke levels
“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” notes the joint statement. “Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.”
They warn the public to watch for symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, or a mild cough. In more serious cases, people could experience wheezing, chest pains or severe coughing.
“If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance,” adds the advisory.
Lung Association urges early action
The Manitoba Lung Association (MLA) is echoing the call for caution and action.
“Wildfire smoke doesn’t respect boundaries — and it doesn’t take a visible fire to put your lungs at risk,” says Juliette Mucha, President and CEO of the Manitoba Lung Association. “We’re urging Manitobans to act now, not later. Know the risks, check the air quality health index (AQHI), and protect your lungs before smoke becomes a crisis.”
Seniors, children, outdoor workers, pregnant individuals, and people living with asthma or COPD are especially vulnerable.
MLA emphasizes that no one is immune: “Smoke can harm anyone’s lungs, regardless of age or health status.”
Practical ways to reduce exposure
Both Environment Canada and the Manitoba Lung Association recommend staying indoors, keeping windows and doors shut, and using air conditioning in recirculate mode to limit exposure to wildfire smoke.
“When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible,” remarks Environment Canada and Manitoba Health. “When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.”
If going outdoors is unavoidable, a properly fitted N95 respirator can help.
“If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke,” continues the advisory. “Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health,” mentions the warning.
The Lung Association also encourages avoiding indoor activities that bring outside air in, such as running bathroom or kitchen fans, and using the recirculate setting in vehicles. Indoor exercise is advised when air quality is poor.
Creating cleaner air indoors
One of the best ways to protect lung health during smoky periods is by setting up a cleaner air space at home.
“Commercially available portable air cleaners with HEPA filters are ideal for removing small particles from the air,” says the Lung Association’s release.
For those unable to access them, a DIY air cleaner made with a box fan and MERV 13 furnace filter is an effective alternative. Instructions are available at mb.lung.ca/manitoba_air_quality.
People with lung conditions are reminded to keep their asthma or COPD action plans up to date and to plan ahead for possible power outages or evacuations, especially if they rely on medical devices like CPAPs or oxygen machines.
Stay informed and check in on others
Residents are encouraged to check in on those more vulnerable, such as elderly neighbours or people with health conditions, and to stay up to date through local emergency alerts.
More information is available at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke, airhealth.ca, and mb.lung.ca.
Manitobans can also sign up for a free webinar on protecting lung health from wildfire smoke, hosted by Dr. Sarah Henderson on June 19 at 6 p.m. CST, via lung.ca.
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