UPDATE: 4:33 AM CST Wednesday, June 14, 2023
The special air quality statement has been removed as of just after 4:30 this morning.
More local smoke is expected later this week according to Wednesday morning's forecast.
UPDATE: 3:09 PM CST Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Widespread spoke continues in the West Central area and the majority of the province Tuesday afternoon. With the wind coming from the south and southwest, it is expected to clear off the smoke by tomorrow for a brief period of time. West Central Online will have continued updates on the special air quality statement for the West Central region Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.
UPDATE: 3:18 a.m. CST Tuesday 13 June 2023
After local smoke has been in the forecast since yesterday morning, a special air quality statement has been active from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The statement covers a large portion of the province as you can see below.
The following statement is from Environment Canada:
Wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility at times.
Air quality and reduced 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.
If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly. You can also use a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner. Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
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.
Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. If you can, avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming. Dust on indoor surfaces can be removed by wiping and wet mopping during a pollution episode.
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.