Most of Saskatchewan dealing with poor air quality from wildfires

Thick wildfire smoke descended on Saskatoon and Regina areas Thursday morning sending air quality ratings soaring.

Environment Canada issued air quality alerts across much of the province due to the smoky haze from wildfires burning in northern Saskatchewan and Alberta. The agency said the alert area is likely to be expanded to include the southeast region with the smoke moving in that direction.

“It’s looking quite smoky,” said meteorologist Stephen Berg.

“It’s not looking like there will be much let-up at all until Saturday or even later than that.”

Thursday morning Saskatoon and Regina had a rating of 10+ which is the highest benchmark on the agency’s air quality scale.

Berg said everyone needs to be careful with their health at that level.

“Anything above 7 you really need to be careful with. People, especially with underlying health conditions, pregnant, young children or elderly will have to be extra careful because they’re more vulnerable to the effects of smoke.”

The agency is recommending people limit their time outdoors and protect their indoor air from the smoke.

Actions can include installing a new air filter in your ventilation system and using a portable air purifier.