Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for Swift Current, Herbert, Cabri, Kyle, and Lucky Lake.
Wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility to a dense plume of near-surface smoke that has moved into southwest Saskatchewan.
The smoke is travelling from wildfires in the northwest and conditions across the south are deteriorating rapidly.
At a minimum, the poor air quality conditions are expected to last throughout the day today and parts of the southwest are likely to remain poor into the weekend.
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. It is important to take steps to protect your health and reduce smoke exposure.
Individuals 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.
If you or someone in your care experiences shortness of breath, wheezing, including asthma attacks, severe cough, dizziness or chest pains stop outdoor activities and contact your health care provider.
Stay inside if you are feeling unwell and experiencing symptoms and keep your indoor air clean by keeping doors and windows closed.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator-type mask can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke.