Shift in wind blows wildfire smoke into northern Saskatchewan

Wildfire smoke in Saskatchewan is getting better for some people and worse for others.

Air quality advisories continued for central areas of Saskatchewan on Tuesday as smoke from wildfires near Hudson Bay settled in south and north of the Yellowhead Highway from the Manitoba border to the Alberta boundary.

Brad Vrolijk, a lead forecaster with Environment Canada, said a change in wind direction Tuesday will begin pushing the smoke plumes northwards.

“For areas along the Yellowhead corridor it should definitely improve later today, but for areas further north like, Prince Albert, Meadow Lake and areas further north, it will get worse this evening,” he said.

Early Tuesday, Saskatoon’s air quality was sitting at a 10+, the poorest level Environment Canada reports.

The weather agency said those levels pose a high risk for children and the elderly.

“At these levels we recommend all people minimize their time outside as much as possible,” said Vrolijk.

“This level of prolonged exposure can cause health problems in most people. It might not be severe for some people; it might just be a lingering tickle or cough that just kind of hangs around for a bit. Others who have pre-existing conditions that make them sensitive to this, they absolutely should reduce or eliminate outdoor exposure.”

The smoke may cause increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath for some people. Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease such as asthma are considered especially at risk.

Environment Canada said air quality in Saskatoon is expected to improve to a low risk level Tuesday evening, while Regina would be a low to moderate risk overnight.

The fires north of Hudson Bay have prompted evacuations from some communities, with people heading to Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon.

Lung association offers advice

Popular jogging trails in Saskatoon remained unusually quiet during a warm and hazy Tuesday.

Jill Hubick, a registered nurse and certified respiratory educator with the Lung Association of Saskatchewan, said staying indoors and avoiding any strenuous activity are two easy ways of avoiding any potential problems for people with lung disease.

“Anyone with lungs is at risk of having irritation or some health concerns or problems from the smoke,” Hubick said, noting an increase in people calling the help line this week.

Hubick encourages people to run their air conditioners on the recirculation setting to keep outside air from getting into the house.

While October isn’t typically a time of year for smoky conditions in Saskatchewan, it’s also becoming an added stressor for people with lung diseases during the fourth wave of COVID-19.

“Often people with lung disease are quite concerned about seeking help because they are fearful about coming into contact and potentially being at greater risk of contracting COVID-19,” Hubick said.